MP calls for rethink of pre-poll voting amid heightened security concerns in wake of Haines incident
News Source
β’Tue, 27 Oct 2026 14:00:36 GMT
π° What Happened
A Queensland MP wants Australia to rethink how pre-poll voting works. Garth Hamilton, the Liberal-National member for Groom, says booths near car parks and busy roads put voters and volunteers in danger. He says he has seen three close calls between cars and people at pre-poll over three elections, and only two were accidents.
Hamilton spoke as parliament returned for the first time since the alleged attack on independent MP Helen Haines. She is in a serious but stable condition after both her legs were amputated. MPs from all sides are now pushing for better protection for politicians, staff and voters.
π The Backstory
Pre-poll voting has grown fast in Australia. Millions of people now cast a ballot early instead of on election day, so booths stay open for weeks. That means more people standing outside in car parks and on footpaths, often with little security.
Political violence has also become a bigger worry. MPs report death threats, abuse at their offices and angry public meetings. After the Haines incident, the prime minister promised a fast response on MP safety, including panic buttons for electorate offices. Hamilton's idea is to shorten the early voting period.
π― Why It Matters
Early voting sites are set up in car parks and along roads all over the country. If they are not safe, ordinary voters and unpaid volunteers can get hurt.
A Queensland MP wants Australia to rethink how pre-poll voting works. Garth Hamilton, the Liberal-National member for Groom, says booths near car parks and busy roads put voters and volunteers in danger. He says he has seen three close calls between cars and people at pre-poll over three elections, and only two were accidents.
Hamilton spoke as parliament returned for the first time since the alleged attack on independent MP Helen Haines. She is in a serious but stable condition after both her legs were amputated. MPs from all sides are now pushing for better protection for politicians, staff and voters.
Pre-poll voting has grown fast in Australia. Millions of people now cast a ballot early instead of on election day, so booths stay open for weeks. That means more people standing outside in car parks and on footpaths, often with little security.
Political violence has also become a bigger worry. MPs report death threats, abuse at their offices and angry public meetings. After the Haines incident, the prime minister promised a fast response on MP safety, including panic buttons for electorate offices. Hamilton's idea is to shorten the early voting period.
Early voting sites are set up in car parks and along roads all over the country. If they are not safe, ordinary voters and unpaid volunteers can get hurt.