Arabic version: نائبتان من جنوب أستراليا ترويان مخاوفهما من الملاحقة بعد حادثتين منفصلتين

According to ABC News, South Australian Education Minister Lucy Hood and Member for Elizabeth Ella Shaw have described separate experiences of unwanted behaviour involving the same man, who police said received stalking cautions. SA Police said a 44-year-old man from Adelaide’s northern suburbs was issued cautions over incidents involving two MPs at different locations.

Shaw said the man first contacted her online and sent messages “non-stop” for about six months, beginning before she won her seat at this year’s state election. At a local community event, she said, he followed her back to her car. Her family was waiting there and they left together. Shaw said she felt safe in her role, but that the move from online messages to in-person conduct was concerning.

Hood, first elected in 2022, said her experience with the man began about three years ago. She said she was devastated to learn Shaw had encountered the same behaviour, having hoped her own case was isolated. Police became involved during one community event she hosted. Hood said the conduct was not aggressive, but it concerned her because her children were present and because the person appeared at a location she had publicly advertised.

Both MPs said they were frustrated but supported by SA Police, and said they would continue appearing in their communities. They said people of all ages and genders should feel safe at work. Police said a person may be charged with stalking if they breach conditions of a stalking caution. SA Police will brief all MPs on security issues, arrangements and precautions following the incident involving Victorian MP Helen Haines. Police said they had investigated 18 incidents this year, including threats against SA MPs, harassment or threats involving electorate office staff, and vandalism, compared with 11 investigations last year.