Albanese Urges Australians to ‘Turn the Heat Down’ After Bomb Threat Evacuation

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called for calm and restraint after being evacuated from his official residence in Canberra following an alleged bomb threat.

The evacuation took place late on February 24 after security authorities received a threat warning of explosives at the prime minister’s residence. Albanese returned a few hours later after police confirmed that nothing suspicious had been found and that there was no ongoing danger.

Speaking at an event in Melbourne on Tuesday, February 25, the prime minister said the incident was a reminder of the need for calm public discourse.

“I think it’s just a reminder — take every opportunity to tell people, turn the heat down for goodness’ sake,” Albanese said. “We can’t take these things for granted.”

Police confirmed that Albanese’s security detail acted as a precautionary measure and that investigations found no credible threat.

According to a statement from organisers, the bomb threat was linked to a message sent to representatives of Shen Yun, a classical Chinese dance troupe that is banned in China and scheduled to perform in Australia later this month.

The email, originally written in Chinese and sent to local organisers, claimed explosives had been placed around the prime minister’s residence and would be detonated if the group’s performances went ahead in the country.

Authorities are continuing investigations into the source of the threat as security agencies maintain heightened vigilance around public officials and major events.