Immediate' link between political angst and MP threats

要点

• 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.