Federal police chief links threats against MPs directly to political debate

Key points

• Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett says inflammatory political debate has a direct link to threats and abuse against parliamentarians. She said police would not curtail free speech but would act when rhetoric became violent threats.
• Independent MP Helen Haines was critically injured when hit by a car outside her Wangaratta office last week. Police have charged Brendan Nugent, 43, and are working to establish a motive, which may take weeks or months.
• Commissioner Barrett said MPs must make their own decisions about personal safety, and politicians have called for a review of security arrangements.