Australian politics: Bridget McKenzie fears MPs may retreat from public square following alleged attack on Helen Haines

Safety and public access

Bridget McKenzie said she feared MPs might withdraw from public engagement after what happened to Helen Haines. She described accessibility as a cornerstone of Australian democracy and said representatives need to meet and talk with their communities.

McKenzie said staff often bear the brunt of abusive phone calls. She also said she had personal duress alarms and alarms at her office and home, and supported measures that could help people alert authorities when in danger.

Anthony Albanese promised a swift government response to protect MPs and their staff. He said threats had been endured for too long and raised the possibility of providing duress alarms to political offices.

Question time disputes

Dan Tehan sought to summon Albanese to answer questions about a $6m grant to the Marrickville golf club. Tehan accused the prime minister of misleading parliament about the grant’s purpose.

The opposition and crossbench focused on the rising cost of living and the government’s treatment of non-citizens who had committed crimes. Labor MPs also answered questions on digital duty of care, migration, small businesses and veterans.

Question time returned to a rambunctious tone despite recent discussion of civility and respect. One MP was ejected and others were warned.

Other political developments

Jacqui Lambie said Pauline Hanson had not personally apologised to her over a party cartoon that mocked Lambie’s medical condition. Hanson had publicly apologised for the cartoon. Greens leader David Shoebridge said an Australian Signals Directorate report on AI threats to online infrastructure showed the need to invest in another option.