Australia's federal police commissioner has linked heated political rhetoric directly to threats and abuse aimed at politicians. Independent MP Helen Haines was allegedly run down by a four-wheel-drive outside her Wangaratta electoral office on Monday, and both her legs were amputated. She remains in a serious but stable condition in Melbourne. Commissioner Krissy Barrett said the daily threat reports are often pages long and that women MPs are more often targeted with threats of sexual violence. Federal MPs say they are weighing personal security against contact with voters.
A man accused of making threats with improvised nunchucks at Hannah Beazley's Victoria Park electorate office has been ordered to remain in custody for medical assessment. John Lawrence Smart faces charges including being armed in a way that may cause fear, making an unlawful threat and possessing cannabis. His lawyer said the 56-year-old may have been holding musical percussion sticks rather than a weapon. Police allege he raised one implement above his head while demanding to see the politician. No one was injured. WA Premier Roger Cook said discussions on upgrading security for parliamentarians are under way.
Federal minister Catherine King has said politicians and the wider community must lower the temperature of political debate. She said threats and personal abuse, particularly online, have escalated and that a national conversation is needed. King also said Qatar Airways will operate new international flights from Western Sydney International Airport, after the federal government extended an air services agreement with the airline in May. The airport opens on Sunday with its first domestic passenger flight.
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A 56-year-old man has been charged after allegedly threatening staff at the Victoria Park electoral office of WA Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley while holding nunchucks. Police said nobody was injured, and the man was arrested in Bentley. He has been charged with making unlawful threats, being armed in a way that may cause fear and possessing cannabis. Bail was refused. Premier Roger Cook said he was appalled by the incident and is considering blocking public access to the Parliament House car park as part of new security measures.
Independent MP Helen Haines has lost both legs after an alleged targeted attack near her electorate office in Wangaratta. Her husband, Phil Haines, said she is alive and stable, and described her as a fighter. Police allege the attack was targeted and have charged Brendan Nugent with several offences, including dangerous driving causing serious injury. Governor General Sam Mostyn praised Haines's work and called the attack a moment to choose to be better. Security services are briefing MPs on safety, and Haines's husband has asked for donations to Save the Children.
Brendan Nugent, 43, has been charged over an alleged deliberate attack on independent MP Helen Haines outside her Wangaratta office. Police have not ruled out further charges, including attempted murder. Haines remains in a critical but stable condition after emergency surgery. In court, Nugent's lawyer said he has a neurological condition and raised concerns about his mental health. Nugent was remanded in custody, and federal police say establishing a motive is the investigation's first priority.
Brendan Nugent, 43, has been charged over an alleged deliberate attack on independent MP Helen Haines outside her Wangaratta office. Police have not ruled out further charges, including attempted murder. Haines remains in a critical but stable condition after emergency surgery. In court, Nugent's lawyer said he has a neurological condition and raised concerns about his mental health. Nugent was remanded in custody, and federal police say establishing a motive is the investigation's first priority.
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.
Independent MP Helen Haines was struck by a four-wheel drive outside her electorate office in Wangaratta, Victoria, and suffered critical injuries. Police are investigating, and a man is in custody. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the incident was not an accident, but it is too early to say whether the alleged actions were politically motivated. The Australian Federal Police recorded 1,067 reports of threatening or offensive behaviour involving federal parliamentarians in the past financial year, a 12 per cent rise on the previous year.
