Albanese promises swift response on MP safety, mulls panic buttons for politicians after alleged attack

Safety measures under consideration

Albanese said MPs and their staff had faced threats for too long and that more could be done. He promised a swift government response but did not set out specific measures.

Duress alarms, also known as panic buttons, are among a series of options raised by MPs. Government sources said a broader proposal was likely to be revealed in coming days.

Security concerns widen

MPs from across the political divide have called for better protection following the alleged attack on the Indi MP last week. Politicians have described abuse both online and in person, including death and rape threats.

Options under consideration include stronger security at electorate offices and improved communication with federal police. MPs have also raised security resources for their homes, including CCTV and lighting.

Payman raises staffing dispute

Fatima Payman, who left Labor in 2024 to sit on the crossbench, criticised Albanese on Monday night over a request for more staff. She said her office was severely overworked and questioned the shortfall during a Senate estimates hearing with minister Don Farrell.

Payman asked whether the prime minister would take her request seriously only after something happened to her office or to her. She told Guardian Australia that death threats and hate comments had increased greatly since her departure from Labor.

Payman said her office manager opened mail containing human faeces last year, prompting a biohazard team to respond. Opposition leader Angus Taylor told Coalition MPs that discussions with the government about personal safety were continuing, without presenting specific proposals.