Victorian Greens Senator Lidia Thorpe has called for action in light of a disturbing video showing a neo-Nazi gang directing racist sentiments towards the MP and desecrating the Aboriginal flag.
The vision shows men in balaclavas setting fire to the flag, spouting racist slurs and declaring Aboriginal people ‘the enemy’ while displaying a British flag in an undisclosed backyard.
It is believed the video began circulating on social media in close proximity to January 26.
"It was a threat to try and put us on notice on our annual day of protest and our annual day of mourning," the Gunditjmara and Djab Wurrung woman told NITV's The Point.
Ms Thorpe said she first saw the video alone in her home, an experience she described as frightening, and which led her staff to report it to the authorities.
Senator fears 'for family'
Though yet to be finalised, the senator said she has had no formal response on the report from the Australian Federal Police, and is calling for a meeting.
"It's unresolved, I cant tell my daughter that we are safe," said Ms Thorpe.
"I am waiting for the authorities to give me some kind of direction as to where I can go, and what I can do that won't end up with me being harmed."
Victorian Greens Senator Lidia Thorpe says he fears for her safety after a racist video began circulating online. Source: AAP Image
Ms Thorpe said she fears not only for her safety but also for her family’s in the wake of the threats.
However the senator said she would continue to do her job and advocate for her people despite the threats.
“I do upset the system, but I didn't come here to appease the system. I come in here to upset it and I will continue to do that, and these fullas aren't going to shut me down,” Ms Thorpe said.
"I just want to be protected to do my job like everyone else” she told The Point.
Ms Thorpe told NITV that despite the video coming online almost a month ago, she has had little assurance or guidance on how to protect herself.
Authorities note 'growing threat' far-right extremism
In senate estimates late Monday night, Ms Thorpe probed the issue further with the head of ASIO Mike Burgess, who told the committee threats of violence towards members of parliament are clearly increasing.
“Violent extremism or nationalist violent extremism in particular has grown in our observations over the past couple of years,” Mr Burgess said.
He said authorities had a duty to act when the 'threshold' of violence was a risk to the personal safety of parliamentarians or others.
“There is a lot of talking but the difficult thing for us is to determine whether there is real intent to go to violence, or just vile beliefs and vile statements which won't result in acts of violence,” Mr Burgess told estimates.
He said if ‘active' threats are determined, a report is immediately handed to federal or state and territory police.
Senate estimates heard that federal police ensure active threats to parliamentarians are investigated.
According to the AFP’s Commissioner Reece Kershaw, a review had been conducted into threats against members.
He said that security and enhanced protection measures can be increased if there is a direct threat to a parliamentarian.
AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw said there has been an increase in violent nationalist extremism in recent years. (AAP)
"[For] some MP's we worked with Home Affairs and others to upgrade security, whether that's at your electoral office or your home premises," Mr Kershaw said.
"We try to have a security approach to specific threats or other concerns that would meet the needs of that member."
280 threats towards parliamentarians were investigated during the review but it is unclear if any were escalated to authorities.
