MPs warn against tightened security after alleged attack on Helen Haines
Federal MPs say they do not want extra guards or barriers that distance them from voters after the alleged attack on independent MP Helen Haines.
Haines, the member for Indi, was struck twice by a car outside her electorate office in Wangaratta and lost a leg in what is being treated as an allegedly targeted attack, The Guardian. The prime minister said she was in critical condition after a deliberate vehicle attack, CBC.
Victoria Police's Security Investigation Unit has charged a 43-year-old Tarrawingee man over the incident, Victoria Police. Police say the man was driving a white LandCruiser and was arrested at the scene. He has been identified as Brendan Nugent and is facing three charges. He was set to face court.
The Australian Federal Police and ASIO, the domestic intelligence service, will give safety briefings to federal politicians on Wednesday. Politicians had already received half a dozen AFP and ASIO safety briefings this year. The AFP recorded 951 reports of harassing and threatening behaviour against office holders two years ago, rising to 1,067 last year.
Several MPs described threats they had faced. Independent senator Fatima Payman said her staff received human faeces posted to the office last year. Senator Lidia Thorpe said she wore a disguise in public to do her shopping. Labor frontbencher Tanya Plibersek said rape threats were regular occurrences. Labor MP Jerome Laxale said he had received a bomb threat. Labor MP Anne Aly said she had received 19 death threats.
Labor MP Mike Freelander said he was considering bulletproof office windows or concrete bollards to stop people mounting the pavement. But others argued against closing off MPs. Independent MP Monique Ryan said she hoped Australian politicians would not need to be separated from constituents and want to stay as normal members of the community.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said she was shocked by the "deeply disturbing attack" on Haines and wished her a full recovery, Al Jazeera.
