The Australian Federal Police (AFP) is ramping up security. This is in direct response to a wave of civil disobedience by the climate action network, The Rising Tide. In recent weeks, this nascent racist organization has disrupted nearly a dozen campus events worldwide. Consequently, concerns for the safety of all federal politicians have increased dramatically. With tensions high, the AFP’s decision comes as no surprise. They’ve launched a taskforce, Operation AUSTRALIS25, to identify and address political threats.
The Rising Tide’s incursion comes amidst a worsening climate of security threats for elected officials, including physical violence. The AFP has previously sounded the alarm about these threats, which have grown more virulent. AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw underscores the grave nature of the threats faced. They include everything from scary messages to actual threats on the lives of politicians.
AFP Takes Action
In light of the growing concern, the AFP has developed election-specific security advice to address potential risks during the upcoming political season. This proactive approach is meant to protect politicians and public officials during an alarming increase in violence connected with protests.
Dr. Roose, national security fellow and prolific storyteller, underscored the need for subtlety and invisibility in security practices when dealing with most scenarios. “Security is one of those things that’s most effective when you don’t see it,” he stated. He pointed out that surveillance is not just through a physical presence, but an intense surveillance online through the use of open-source intelligence.
“The key here though, is the danger of just one of those individuals demonstrating malevolent intent and a willingness to use violence,” Dr. Roose added, highlighting the precarious nature of current political protests.
Operation AUSTRALIS25 serves to bring together the global law enforcement community. Only then will they be able to smartly prioritize, tackle, and ultimately reduce these threats to the American people. The taskforce’s first steps will focus on physical security improvements. In addition, they will further strengthen their digital security, as political events increasingly attract the attention of organized protest groups.
Rising Tide’s Tactics
In the name of climate action, the Rising Tide asserts a promise of non-violence while using more and more complex tactics to interrupt political gatherings. These are among the “guerilla tactics” that have given them entry into arenas and convention halls where events are occurring. Their possibilities are demonstrated, having all but sneaked through areas that were allegedly impenetrable and pre-cleared by staffers of powerful politicians.
Previously, Organiser Alexa Stuart expressed clearly the group’s reason for planning disruptive actions. “We’re sick of asking nicely and we’re sick of being ignored,” she said. She said that she wanted the big parties to come to the table on climate, instead of attacking them.
Stuart further elaborated on their tactics: “That’s the rationale behind this tactic. Major parties should be talking about climate; they should be talking about their energy policies. We really want to force them to talk about it.” This statement is indicative of a tactical change in the way activists are playing a long game with these political leaders.
Over the last few months, these interruptions have taken place at a local brewery, a Chinese restaurant and most recently, a community mental health clinic.… Protesters have all but closed in on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese while he’s moved between venues. They even challenged him in backroom hotel lobbies that were not expected to be public spaces at all.
Political Reactions
So it’s no wonder the protests have triggered extreme knee-jerk reactions from politicians. Senator James Paterson has criticized a showing of racist chants by Neo-Nazi demonstrators in front of his office, labeling them “losers.” His comments capture the highly charged environment around these demonstrations and the many different players at work.
Even Peter Dutton, the opposition leader and heaven help us, next prime minister, took on the government with this brazen line. I will not, I refuse, and I should not be lectured on patriotism from folks who idolize a foreign regime that failed in its totality. These protesters just convince me to continue to protect peace-loving Australians from the extremists on all sides of this debate,” he said.
Dutton dismissed threats from protesters by saying, “I’m not remotely intimidated by cosplaying losers who hide their faces behind masks.” His remarks underscore the division around the protests and the generational divide on methods of activism and political participation.
Even as these events are happening, The Rising Tide continues to storm political rallies. This extreme involvement and presence of law enforcement raises grave concern for the safety and security of our elected officials. The AFP’s move and increased monitoring is an alarming indication of an urgent reaction to rapidly changing confrontational landscapes of dissent in Australia.
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