Australian PM Anthony Albanese Evacuated from Official Residence Over Security Threat

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been evacuated from his official residence following what authorities described as a safety threat.

The prime minister was moved to a secure location after an incident at The Lodge in Canberra on Tuesday evening, February 24. Emergency vehicles were seen at the residence as security agencies responded to the situation.

In a statement, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) confirmed that officers responded to an “alleged security incident” within the Australian Capital Territory at about 6pm AEDT (7am GMT).

“A thorough search of a protection establishment was undertaken and nothing suspicious was located. There is no current threat to the community or public safety. Further information will be provided at an appropriate time,” the AFP said.

Former AFP Detective Superintendent David Craig, who previously served as a prime ministerial bodyguard, told Sky News Australia that evacuating a sitting prime minister is a “significant move” by authorities.

“This isn't some online threat... There must be some corroboration to it for police to act this way,” Craig said, noting that security agencies would activate different response plans depending on the nature of the threat.

The incident comes amid growing concerns over threats against elected officials. AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett recently warned that politicians are increasingly being targeted.

“We are witnessing the continued rise of individual grievance, including those who are willing to make threats in the online world and then carry them out,” Barrett told Senate Estimates.

According to the AFP, hundreds of threats are made against Members of Parliament at all levels of government each year.