Rise in threats by sovereign citizens sparks call for Victorian judges to receive security allowance
A report tabled in Victorian parliament has recommended judicial officers receive a security allowance after a rise in threats by sovereign citizens. (ABC News: Demi Lynch)
In short:
A report tabled in state parliament has found threats against Victorian judges and magistrates by sovereign citizens have more than doubled.
It recommends judicial officers be paid an allowance to increase their personal security.
The Australian Judicial Officers Association is also urging all states, territories and the Commonwealth to do more to address the rising threats.
Threats made against Victorian judges and magistrates by so-called sovereign citizens have surged in recent years, prompting an independent body to recommend judicial officers receive a security allowance.
In a report tabled to parliament on Tuesday, the Judicial Entitlements Panel referenced data from Court Services Victoria (CSV), which found that threatening incidents reported by judicial officers more than doubled — from 15 to 35 — in 2023-2024.
An even larger surge is expected this year, with 32 incidents reported in the first six months of 2025 alone.
The report attributed the increase to dramatic changes in the "political and security landscape" since 2021, specifically citing "a marked shift in both the volume and presentation of self-represented litigants", "querulous litigants" and "people identifying as sovereign citizens".
Sovereign citizens believe Australia's governments are illegitimate and that individuals are not subject to federal, state, or local laws. They often espouse anti-government views and refuse to pay taxes, parking fines and rates.
Examples of reported incidents included break-ins to judicial and CSV cars, attempts to "arrest" judges, threats made in-person, over the telephone or by social media, and the "misuse" of judicial officers' personal information.
"Risk mitigation strategies have been implemented by the courts to ensure that judicial officers are safe and secure at the workplace," the report said.
"However, they are still at risk outside of the courtroom."
State, territory and federal attorneys-general are being urged to introduce measures to address the threats being made by sovereign citizens. (AAP: Mick Tsikas)
Peak body calls for action
In South Australia, judicial officers are entitled to be reimbursed for up to $1,600 to install a home security system, and also receive an allowance of $1,205 per year for personal security.
The Judicial Entitlements Panel recommended Victoria follow a similar model, at an overall initial cost of $624,000 for home security set-up, and an ongoing cost of $400,000 for personal security (on the presumption all judicial officers took up the offer).
The recommendation comes amid an increase in threats towards judicial officers across Australia.
In 2022, a survey of 205 sitting and retired judicial officers in New South Wales found that 61 per cent had experienced some form of threat, with 41 per cent having received a threat of harm.
Almost a quarter had received a death threat.
Earlier this year, WA's Chief Justice issued a warning over the rise of sovereign citizens, saying they posed a risk to the "safety and stability" of society.
The peak body of the Australian judiciary, the Australian Judicial Officers Association (AJOA), has previously urged state, territory and federal attorneys-general to introduce measures to address the rising threats.
Justice Steven Moore, President of AJOA, today welcomed the recommendation.
"It is a positive step towards addressing an aspect of the security risks faced by judicial officers," he said.
"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."