WA politicians condemn 'dire' threat level facing public figures after MP's violent attack

Western Australian politicians have expressed concerns about the increasingly hostile political landscape in the state, following a violent attack on a federal MP. The incident has sparked a conversation about the limited options available to address the growing threat level facing public figures.

The attack on federal MP Helen Haines, who lost a leg after being pinned between two cars outside her electorate office in Victoria, has sent shockwaves through the nation's political class. The incident has dominated conversations amongst those arriving at parliament in Perth, with many politicians speaking out about the need for increased security measures.

Security concerns

Nationals MP Lachlan Hunter said he was concerned about the "dire consequences" which could come from the "all time high" threat level currently facing public figures. "I've got two electorate offices, all of which are manned by a female, a single female, five days a week," the Central Wheatbelt MP said.

"I've got one office in the eastern part of my electorate that doesn't even have security cameras. There are real, practical things that are, I think, a really live threat to members of parliament and their staff and their families."

Mr Hunter called for a state-wide review of electorate office security, as well as measures to protect Parliament House.

Social media driving anger

Police Minister Reece Whitby said security measures had been reviewed around parliament in the wake of an alleged attempted attack in February. He pointed to social media as a driver of increasing hostility in politics, saying "when you have that vile, ugly, abusive sort of language, and some in the political system are actually egging this on and leaning into it, it actually makes it some people [who] have gone down the rabbit hole and they're radicalised, it gives them license to carry out actions. That is a real danger."

Personal impact

Curtin MP, independent Kate Chaney, said Ms Haines had been a mentor to her and others. "Helen was here at my 50th birthday in January, dancing, and the thought that she might not be doing that again fills me with horror," Ms Chaney said outside her electorate office in Floreat.

Ms Chaney said she still felt safe in her community, and did not want the incident to deter people from putting their hands up for public life. "We've got to make sure that we keep attracting people, especially women, to parliament. It's worth it. Even though there are these dangers and these risks, it is actually worth doing," she said.

Housing Minister John Carey said social media platforms were not doing enough to regulate content online, and "there wouldn't be a week goes by that I'm not called a paedophile, where there [is not] some sort of threat on social media".

"Now that's sick. I'm tired of it, and they get away with it. In fact, what I'm starting to do now, and I encourage other MPs, is contact their employers. Tell people, because it is only through shame [things will change], or I repost some of their comments."

Families also affected

Opposition leader Basil Zempilas said the impact on families of public figures should not be forgotten. "Family members of public figures are rightly always concerned, and have in the back of their minds 'is my loved one, going about their duty, going to be safe?'" Mr Zempilas said.

WA Premier Roger Cook said he had written to all state parties and WA Police to convene a meeting to discuss security arrangements. "Both at the parliamentary precinct, around electorate offices, and more broadly, and to talk to them about what further actions can be taken to improve the security arrangements," he said.

"We will continue to work together to do our important roles, and that is to continue to express opinions, support debates, and to stand up for our communities. And we should be able to do that without any fear, fear of vilification, fear of attacks, fear of physical violence."