Top cop points to clear link between political debate and threats against MPs

Key points

• Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett says heated political debate is directly linked to threats against parliamentarians. Speaking on the ABC's Insiders program, she said the threat environment has worsened, with a daily report listing threats made to the AFP.
• Security at Parliament House is being reassessed after a car ramming attack on independent MP Helen Haines in her Wangaratta electorate. Dr Haines has had both legs amputated and remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition.
• Police say a man, Brendan Nugent, has been charged over the incident, and investigators are working to establish a possible motive.