Australian politicians paying thousands for security upgrades amid rising threats to MPs
Briefings focus on homes and offices
The Australian federal police and Asio held safety briefings on Wednesday for Labor, Coalition and crossbench MPs. Ten politicians told Guardian Australia that protecting homes and electorate offices was a shared concern.
Several MPs said they had used their own money to add security features, following federal police advice. A number of politicians spoke anonymously about what they had heard in the briefings.
Backbenchers feel less protected
Federal ministers receive more extensive security help than many backbench MPs, according to politicians who spoke to Guardian Australia. Some backbenchers said they felt they did not have enough resources.
They were concerned that angry members of the public might view politicians as one group, without distinguishing cabinet ministers from local MPs. Many praised the federal police for advising staff, including on how to run public events, but some said local police had responded less promptly to requests for help with aggressive visitors.
Threat reports have increased
The AFP recorded 951 reports of harassment and threatening conduct against office holders two years ago. The figure rose to 1,067 last year. On Wednesday, police arrested a man following a disturbance at a Perth electorate office. He was reported to have made verbal threats while carrying what was described as nunchucks; Western Australia police said nobody was injured.
Key points
- MPs raised concerns about security at homes and electorate offices during briefings with the AFP and Asio.
- Several politicians said they had spent thousands of dollars on security improvements.
- Some backbenchers said they felt less supported than federal ministers.
- The AFP recorded 1,067 harassment and threat reports against office holders last year, up from 951 two years earlier.