Australian politicians say they are paying thousands for their own security upgrades amid rising threats
News Source
β’Wed, 21 Oct 2026 14:00:20 GMT
π° What Happened
Federal MPs were briefed by the Australian Federal Police and Asio on Wednesday, after the alleged attack on independent MP Helen Haines. Ten MPs told Guardian Australia that the safety of their homes and offices was their main worry.
Several said they had spent thousands of dollars of their own money on cameras, floodlights and other security. Police recorded 1,067 reports of threats and harassment against office holders last year, up from 951 two years earlier.
π The Backstory
Ministers get stronger protection than backbenchers. Some MPs say angry voters no longer tell the difference between cabinet members and local members. Crossbenchers have asked whether taxpayers should pay for home security.
Ideas being discussed include a new committee on MPs' safety, more police resources and condolence motions for Haines. Calls from the crossbench to change question time are unlikely to be taken up by the major parties.
π― Why It Matters
If local MPs must pay for their own safety, the job gets harder for people without money, and politics becomes more closed to the public.
Federal MPs were briefed by the Australian Federal Police and Asio on Wednesday, after the alleged attack on independent MP Helen Haines. Ten MPs told Guardian Australia that the safety of their homes and offices was their main worry.
Several said they had spent thousands of dollars of their own money on cameras, floodlights and other security. Police recorded 1,067 reports of threats and harassment against office holders last year, up from 951 two years earlier.
Ministers get stronger protection than backbenchers. Some MPs say angry voters no longer tell the difference between cabinet members and local members. Crossbenchers have asked whether taxpayers should pay for home security.
Ideas being discussed include a new committee on MPs' safety, more police resources and condolence motions for Haines. Calls from the crossbench to change question time are unlikely to be taken up by the major parties.
If local MPs must pay for their own safety, the job gets harder for people without money, and politics becomes more closed to the public.