Nine electorate offices have been marked for security upgrades following last week's attack on independent MP Helen Haines, a Department of Finance official told a Senate estimates hearing. Finance Minister Katy Gallagher said MP safety was a matter of daily review. Communications Minister Anika Wells temporarily shut her electorate office after a woman allegedly made threatening gestures towards staff. Several MPs have also shared threats against themselves, their families and staff. Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett said the threats now often arrive online rather than by letter.
At least nine MPs will have security upgrades for their electorate offices brought forward, Finance Minister Katy Gallagher has confirmed. The move follows an alleged attack last Monday on independent MP Helen Haines outside her Wangaratta office. Haines was struck repeatedly by a four-wheel drive and has lost both legs. She remains in a serious but stable condition in a Melbourne hospital, and police are examining the motive. Gallagher also urged social media companies to act on threats posted on their platforms against women in public life.
Federal politicians from Labor, the Coalition and the crossbench have raised concerns about their safety after the alleged attack on Helen Haines, who lost both legs. Security agencies will review safety precautions for MPs' homes and offices. Several MPs have paid for their own safety features, such as cameras and floodlights, after risk assessments did not offer them. Reported threats to office holders rose from 951 two years ago to 1,067 last year. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said funding for MP security has increased.
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Security agencies will brief federal politicians after an alleged attack on independent MP Helen Haines left her in a critical condition. Dr Haines had a leg amputated after she was allegedly hit by a four-wheel drive outside her electorate office in Wangaratta on Monday afternoon. The Australian Federal Police have urged the public to reduce heated rhetoric amid a rise in harassment of politicians. Fellow independent Monique Ryan said she had referred two threats against her to police within 24 hours. Opposition defence spokesman James Paterson said electorate offices lack adequate protection.
WA politicians have raised concerns about a hostile political climate after federal MP Helen Haines lost a leg when she was pinned between two cars outside her electorate office in Victoria. Nationals MP Lachlan Hunter called for a state-wide review of electorate office security, saying one of his offices has no security cameras. Police Minister Reece Whitby blamed social media for fuelling hostility and said some people are radicalised by abusive language. Housing Minister John Carey said he is abused online almost every week, while Opposition leader Basil Zempilas said families of public figures also face pressure.
