Australian PM returns to Canberra residence after evacuation

CANBERRA -- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has returned to The Lodge, his Canberra residence, after he had been evacuated for 3 hours over a security threat on Tuesday night.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) confirmed that it responded to an "alleged security incident" at 6 pm, and the prime minister returned after a search had been completed.

"A thorough search of a protection establishment was undertaken and nothing suspicious was located," a statement from the Australian Federal Police said, adding that "there is no current threat to the community or public safety."

Safety threats to the prime minister and other federal politicians have escalated in recent months. In October, Krissy Barrett, AFP commissioner, established new hate disrupter squads, known as National Security Investigations teams, to deal with threats, including the targeting of politicians.

She noted in a Senate Estimates Opening Statement earlier this month that hatred and violence are directed at the country's politicians, other office holders and members of Australia's Jewish community, adding that 21 individuals across Australia had been charged since the teams were set up.