International forum planned to protect politicians from online hate

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 4 Nov, 00:51 · Archive

An alleged attack on Australian MP Helen Haines has prompted Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and UK counterpart Andy Burnham to establish an international forum on protecting parliamentarians from online harm.

An alleged attack on independent Victorian MP Helen Haines outside her electorate office in Wangaratta on October 19 has helped prompt an international response to online threats against politicians. Authorities are treating the incident as a deliberate attack. Both Dr Haines' legs were amputated and she remains in hospital in a serious condition.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and UK counterpart Andy Burnham agreed to establish the international forum on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda. The gathering will bring together big tech and Commonwealth leaders to explore how to protect parliamentarians from online harm, with the first convening scheduled for 2027.

In a joint statement, the leaders said: 'A toxic online environment is a threat to all Commonwealth democracies.' They noted that 'talented and principled people choose not to stand for election because of the hate they see their elected representatives and their families face.' Both countries have experienced violence against politicians. In the UK, Ann Widdecombe, a Conservative MP turned Reform UK spokeswoman, died in July after being hit 21 times with a hammer. The leaders' statement indicated that women are being disproportionately targeted by the growing number of threats.

How it is being reported

• Helen Haines' alleged attack sparks international forumProtecting politicians from online hate will be top of the agenda at an international forum committed to by the prime minister and his British counterpart.Perth Now · 4 Nov, 00:12
• Helen Haines' alleged attack sparks international forumProtecting politicians from online hate will be top of the agenda at an international forum committed to by the prime minister and his British counterpart.The West Australian · 4 Nov, 00:12

In this story: Helen Haines · Anthony Albanese · Andy Burnham · Ann Widdecombe · Jo Cox · Wangaratta · Commonwealth

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