Labor, Coalition and crossbench MPs afraid at home and work after alleged attack on Helen Haines
News Source
β’Wed, 21 Oct 2026 23:04:49 GMT
π° What Happened
Federal police and Asio briefed MPs on Wednesday about safety. Ten MPs told Guardian Australia that their homes and offices were their main worry. Many have spent thousands of their own dollars on cameras, lights and other security after police advice.
Some backbenchers said they feel under-resourced. Ministers get much stronger protection. Independent MP Monique Ryan said angry voters see every politician as part of the system. "People are getting activated now because they see us as part of the government," she said.
Ideas being discussed include a new committee on MPs' safety, more police resources, and condolence motions for Haines. A broad review is not expected at this stage.
π The Backstory
Threat reports to the Australian Federal Police rose from 951 two years ago to 1,067 last year. Many MPs said they do not want bodyguards in public. They worry more about their families at home. Some asked whether taxpayers should pay for home security for crossbenchers.
Haines lost both legs in Monday's alleged attack. Parliament returns next week. Crossbench calls to change question time and soften debate are unlikely to be picked up by the major parties.
π― Why It Matters
Local MPs hold public meetings and run open offices. If they need guards and cameras, ordinary access to their representative shrinks.
Federal police and Asio briefed MPs on Wednesday about safety. Ten MPs told Guardian Australia that their homes and offices were their main worry. Many have spent thousands of their own dollars on cameras, lights and other security after police advice.
Some backbenchers said they feel under-resourced. Ministers get much stronger protection. Independent MP Monique Ryan said angry voters see every politician as part of the system. "People are getting activated now because they see us as part of the government," she said.
Ideas being discussed include a new committee on MPs' safety, more police resources, and condolence motions for Haines. A broad review is not expected at this stage.
Threat reports to the Australian Federal Police rose from 951 two years ago to 1,067 last year. Many MPs said they do not want bodyguards in public. They worry more about their families at home. Some asked whether taxpayers should pay for home security for crossbenchers.
Haines lost both legs in Monday's alleged attack. Parliament returns next week. Crossbench calls to change question time and soften debate are unlikely to be picked up by the major parties.
Local MPs hold public meetings and run open offices. If they need guards and cameras, ordinary access to their representative shrinks.