Hate crime offences created earlier this year after a spate of antisemitic attacks may need to be taken even further, Australia’s new top cop has flagged in her first interview as police chief.
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett has also announced the creation of specialised strike teams to chase down extremists who fall short of strictly defined terrorism offences.
Commissioner Barrett, who today formally took charge of the AFP, has revealed her first act as chief is to establish specialist National Security Investigations (NSI) teams in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra to deal with the blurring lines between extremism, political violence, organised crime and foreign interference.
“In the past two years, particularly post-October 7, 2023, we have seen a changing operating environment for law enforcement in Australia,” Commissioner Barrett told the ABC.
“Under my leadership, the AFP will be laser focused on protecting our sovereignty, our democracy, our social cohesion, our financial sector and our future prosperity.”
Hellbound and Down 