Helen Haines attack prompts security upgrades and parliamentary reflection

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 27 Oct, 00:31 · Archive

Nine electorate offices will be upgraded following an attack on independent MP Helen Haines, as Parliament confronts rising political hostility.

Nine electorate offices have been marked for security upgrades following an attack on independent MP Helen Haines. Finance Minister Katy Gallagher told the ABC on Tuesday that MP safety was 'a matter of daily review' and that concerns about electorate office safety were 'very legitimate'.

Several MPs have reported heightened threats since the attack. Communications Minister Anika Wells temporarily shut her electorate office after a woman allegedly made threatening gestures towards staff. Nationals MP David Littleproud revealed his wife and children had been targeted while he was abroad. Gallagher said the volume and intensity of violent threats, including death threats and threats of rape and harm to children, exceeded what she had experienced in her political career.

On Monday, MPs across the political divide used a day of parliamentary tributes to confront the attack and its implications. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told Parliament that 'the shock from what happened last Monday is like a stone in our hearts', while MPs reflected on their own behaviour and the growing dangers of their jobs. Some suggested Australia needed to reconsider how politics and debate could be conducted. AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett said at the weekend that the threat facing parliamentarians had changed over her 25 years in law enforcement.

How it is being reported

• MP security upgrades after Helen Haines attackThe electorate offices of several MPs will be upgraded as the attack on Helen Haines drives a national conversation about the safety of elected officials.The West Australian · 27 Oct, 00:06
• MP security upgrades after Helen Haines attackThe electorate offices of several MPs will be upgraded as the attack on Helen Haines drives a national conversation about the safety of elected officials.Perth Now · 27 Oct, 00:05
• ANDREW GREENE: Haines attack prompts reflection in Parliament as political hostility leads to calls for changeMPs from across the political divide used a day of tributes to confront rising anger, hostility and division.The West Australian · 26 Oct, 10:59

In this story: Helen Haines · Katy Gallagher · Anthony Albanese · Anika Wells · David Littleproud · Krissy Barrett · Australian Federal Police · Australia

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