Key facts
- Australian Federal Police Commissioner Reece Barrett links politicians' rhetoric to threats against MPs.
- Independent MP Helen Haines was allegedly attacked and remains hospitalized.
- The AFP receives daily reports of threats and abuse against federal parliamentarians.
- Women MPs are often singled out with threats of sexual violence.
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Reece Barrett has directly linked politicians' heated rhetoric to an increase in threats and abuse directed at elected representatives. Barrett stated that the threat environment for politicians has changed significantly, with the AFP receiving extensive daily reports of threats. She emphasized that while not policing free speech, certain reported threats and abuse go beyond political discourse, particularly with the rise of online threats and inflammatory political imagery. Barrett noted that community reactions to political material, such as past cartoons, contribute to this environment. The AFP has held emergency safety briefings for parliamentarians, with Barrett highlighting that women MPs are often targeted with specific threats of sexual violence. MPs from across the political spectrum acknowledge the challenge of balancing security with maintaining open access to voters.