Australia has let abuse of its representatives become ‘part of the job’ – and women bear the brunt

Key points

• Researchers argue that abuse, threats and violence against Australian elected officials have become normalised, and that the burden falls heavily on women. A national survey of 854 councillors found 85 per cent had faced abuse, threats or violence in the past year.
• Only 18 per cent of councillors who described their most serious incident told police.
• The researchers say calls for civility and more security are not enough, and urge action on abuse before it escalates, along with accountability for technology platforms.