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.
Parliament returns this week without independent MP Helen Haines, who was struck by a car outside her Wangaratta office. Police are treating the incident as a deliberate attack, and both her legs have since been amputated. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is expected to move a motion allowing MPs to offer messages of support. Security has been increased across public areas of Parliament House, and MPs have backed calls for a civility pledge.
Transport Minister Catherine King says the Western Sydney International Airport has begun commercial flights, with the first service going to the Gold Coast. She said the airport would ease pressure on Kingsford Smith Airport and create jobs. King said a rail line is expected within 12 to 18 months. She also spoke about the attack on Helen Haines, saying MPs should be safe at work. King defended the Major and Local Community Infrastructure Program, saying it delivers party election commitments and is administered under Audit Office requirements. She said she signed off on decisions only after department assessment.
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Some New South Wales MPs say a security briefing left them more worried about their protection in parliament. Liberal MP Alister Henskens said some MPs were in tears because the answers were inadequate. The concern followed an attack on federal independent MP Helen Haines in Victoria and an anti-coal protester who jumped onto the parliament floor last week. Henskens criticised the slowness of the security response. Speaker Greg Piper said additional special constables had been assigned after the breach.
Crossbench MPs have rejected greater security and separation from constituents after an alleged targeted attack on independent MP Helen Haines outside her office. A 43-year-old man faces three charges. Federal police and Asio will brief federal politicians on safety. MPs describe rising threats, including death threats and abuse, and some have changed how they advertise events and travel. Independent MP Monique Ryan said politicians must stay part of their communities, and Liberal MP Melissa McIntosh said bad people must not be allowed to win.
A climate protester breached security at NSW Parliament on Tuesday, leaping from the public gallery onto the chamber floor during question time. The man, from the activist group Rising Tide, jumped the railing in an attempt to confront Premier Chris Minns. Labor backbencher David Saliba joined other colleagues in restraining him, saying he heard a large thump while everyone's backs were turned. Parliament security detained the man, and he has not been charged. The Speaker has ordered a full review of the breach and wider security measures around Parliament House.
