Arabic version: نواب أستراليون يطالبون بدعم أمني أقوى

According to The Guardian, Australian security agencies will review safety precautions for MPs’ homes and electorate offices after politicians raised concerns in briefings with the Australian federal police and Asio following the alleged attack on independent MP Helen Haines. Haines lost both legs after Monday’s incident.

Guardian Australia interviews with 10 MPs found that home and office security was a common issue in Wednesday’s briefings for Labor, Coalition and crossbench representatives. Multiple politicians said they had spent thousands of dollars of their own money on safety measures recommended by federal police, including cameras and floodlights, after such measures were not offered through risk assessments.

Federal ministers receive stronger security assistance, while backbench MPs said they felt under-resourced. Several politicians said they did not want guards or armed escorts in public, but were concerned about their homes, families and electorate office staff. The AFP recorded 951 reports of harassing and threatening behaviour against office holders two years ago, rising to 1,067 last year.

Independent MP Monique Ryan supported a broader safety review and additional resources for offices, saying she would support bollards if they helped her staff feel safer. Nationals MP Sam Birrell said regional representatives were particularly visible in their communities and wanted clearer advice on matters such as advertising mobile offices and using signs on cars. Liberal senator James Paterson said electorate offices were “very exposed” and “not well protected”.

Prime minister Anthony Albanese said the government had increased funding for parliamentary security in recent years and wanted people to feel that security was being maximised while preserving engagement in democracy. A spokesperson for home affairs minister Tony Burke said agencies constantly review threats faced by high office holders.