Australian MPs Demand Better Security After Attack on Helen Haines

Federal Members of Parliament in Australia are demanding a review of security measures following an attack on independent MP Helen Haines outside her electorate office in Wangaratta. The incident has prompted colleagues to describe current protection as tokenistic or lacklustre, with some members reporting they were never offered home risk assessments.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed that security agencies identified more than 1,000 threats to federal politicians during the most recent financial year. Minister for Women Katy Gallagher acknowledged that her colleagues are afraid for their safety.

Alex Caruana, president of the Australian Federal Police Association, urged that privately contracted home security inspections be brought under the direct control of the Australian Federal Police to ensure consistency. He suggested that safety may have been deprioritized in favor of cost savings in some instances.

In response to the growing concerns, senior officials from Home Affairs, the Australian Federal Police, and ASIO are scheduled to update MPs on the current threat environment. Officials are encouraging politicians to share their diaries to help security agencies proactively manage safety risks.