‘No security, no staff, he’s even driving himself!’: Tim Watts reflects on the Australia we risk losing

Key points

• Labor MP Tim Watts has reflected on how politicians move freely among the public, following an attack on independent MP Helen Haines. Haines was allegedly struck twice by a four-wheel drive outside her electorate office in Wangaratta on 19 October and has suffered catastrophic injuries.
• A 43-year-old man has been charged, and police have not established a motive. Watts says threats against MPs have risen fourfold since 2020.
• Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Angus Taylor have both condemned the attack.