Reports show a shocking increase in Victoria. Threats against judges and magistrates have more than doubled in the current reporting period. The amount of threatening incidents climbed from 15 from 2022-2023 to 35 for 2023-2024. Judicial officers around Australia are under continually increasing threats. This disturbing trend is part of a larger pattern, particularly when it comes to people who call themselves sovereign citizens.
Sovereign citizens are adherents who assert that Australia’s governments lack any legitimacy. In so doing, they claim that no federal, state, or local laws apply to them, a vexatious and dangerous challenge to the rule of law. A 2022 survey in New South Wales revealed horrifying numbers. It discovered that 61% of sitting and retired judicial officers had been made to feel threatened, and 41% experienced specific threats of harm. Almost a quarter of these same officers said that they had personally received a death threat.
Increase in Incidents and Judicial Response
The latest report from the Judicial Entitlements Panel shines significant light upon the rising tide of self-represented litigants. It points to a broader shift in how argumentative people pretending to be sovereign citizens act. Legal experts and judicial authorities have been raising the alarm. They fear for the safety of those currently serving in the judiciary because of this change.
In the first half of 2025 alone, another 32 incidents of threats against judicial officers were reported. Chief Justice of Western Australia Peter Quinlan has sounded the alarm. He underscores the danger to the safety and stability of society posed by the growth of the sovereign citizens.
“It is a positive step towards addressing an aspect of the security risks faced by judicial officers.” – Justice Steven Moore, President of AJOA
The Australian Judicial Officers Association (AJOA) has just announced steps. They have called on state, territory and federal attorneys-general to take more active steps to counter the growing threats. Above all, they encourage development of holistic policies. More needs to be done, but these policies should continue to improve the safety and security of our judicial officers as they do their important work.
Security Measures for Judicial Officers
In reaction to these growing threats, South Australia has passed legislation to provide armed security for its judicial officers. Individuals deployed in this state are eligible for up to $1,600 in reimbursable expenses to install home security devices. Members receive an annual $1,205 allowance expressly for personal security.
While interim, the AJOA has embraced all of these recommendations, considering them to be essential steps in strengthening the safety protocol and resources available to judicial staff. As Justice Steven Moore reminds us, it is a constant battle that requires being nimble to new threats.
“It nevertheless remains essential that all governments develop and implement policies which address the multiple ways in which the safety and security of judicial officers can be jeopardised as a result of the work they perform for the community.” – Justice Steven Moore, President of AJOA
Broader Implications
Intimidation and threats against judges and magistrates have increased, showing a disturbing trend. This increase is not limited strictly to this space, reflecting major changes in the political and security environment since 2021. The Australian judiciary is facing unprecedented challenges as it navigates interactions with a growing number of individuals who reject established legal norms.
It’s a rapidly evolving situation. Legal authorities in Australia are calling urgently for measures to protect those who seek to serve justice. These calls for intervention magnify the immediate need for systemic, federally-led comprehensive policy. These policies should shield judicial officers from the increasing dangers presented by sovereign citizens and other domestic extremists.
