Activist faces harassment charges over 192 alleged MP contact blitz
Activist Austin Mackell was charged after allegedly contacting MP Susan Templeman 192 times, including 43 calls in one day.
Mackell, 43, repeatedly called Templeman's Macquarie office and swore at staff, threatening to confront them in person and catch them between their car and the office. Crown evidence includes voicemails saying he would make Templeman's life a living hell if she ignored him.
Mackell is charged with using a carriage service to menace, harass or offend. He claims his prosecution is politically motivated and breaks his constitutional right to free speech.
Most calls targeted the government's Gaza policy. Templeman co-chairs the Parliamentary Friends of Palestine.
Bail conditions prevent Mackell from contacting Templeman or entering her electorate office.
- 192 times
- Alleged contacts
- 43 years old
- Mackell's age
- Susan Templeman, Macquarie
- Target MP
- Up to 43 calls
- Single-day calls
Why it mattersThe case tests where free speech ends and harassment begins, coming as concern grows about threats to elected officials.
AustraliaAustralian voters are watching whether political activism can cross into legally defined harassment, with implications for protest rights.
