January 22, 2024
Democracy 'in danger'
Threats of violence against federal politicians have soared to record levels, with one Victorian MP warning the alarming trend could lead to "realworld harm".
Almost three reports a day are being made to the Australian Federal Police about incidents involving MPs, the Prime Minister, Governor-General and electorate offices.
Outspoken Victorian senator Lidia Thorpe, who was forced into hiding following death threats before last year's referendum, is calling on "powerful white men" to stop making the problem worse with "sexist and racist language" in the parliament.
The Blak activist, who fronts Invasion Day rallies, says harassment has already increased in the lead-up to January 26.
New figures obtained by the Herald Sun reveal more than 420 reports were made in the first six months of 2023-24 amid the Voice to Parliament referendum and the war between Israel and Gaza.
The worrying reports are on track to surpass the record 709 incidents in 22-23, and 555 in 2021-22.
Threatening and anonymous correspondence to politicians, government employees and diplomats also skyrocketed 150 per cent to 230 incidents last year.
An AFP spokeswoman said it took all reports regarding the safety and security of high office holders, federal parliamentarians and people who work with them seriously.
"Threats of harm or violence against high office holders or federal parliamentarians is a criminal offence and will be investigated by the AFP," she said.
Opposition home affairs spokesman James Paterson said the increase in threats to public officials, their families and staff was on an alarming trajectory.
"If these trends continue I fear we will see it translate into real-world harm," Senator Paterson said.
"That will end up with a permanent security bubble around our politicians like they have in many other countries.
"If that happens then we'll lose something great about our democracy the accessibility of our leaders." The gruesome murder of British MP David Amess in 2021 prompted the AFP to review politicians' safety.
Senator Thorpe, who last year spent five months away from her home after severe threats were made against her, said she and her staff continued to be harassed but had implemented AFP advice to better manage the risks.
She said the rise in incidents made it harder for politicians to fulfil their duties.
"Everyone should be able to be safe to do their job," she said.
Senator Thorpe said cultural issues towards women of colour in politics meant they faced the most harassment.
"As a politician, you've got to be prepared to cop criticism, but what we see from political opponents too often crosses the line," she said.
