MPs revert to ‘snide remarks’ following day of unity
Lucinda Garbutt-Young, Noah Secomb and Annika Rhoades |
Federal MPs are under fire for reverting to sledging and verbal attacks following calls to turn the temperature down after a colleague was severely injured in an alleged attack.
Concerns for the safety of parliamentarians have prompted some Labor MPs to propose the use of duress alarms as a security options.
Daily reviews are taking place into MP safety after independent MP Helen Haines was struck repeatedly by a four-wheel drive outside her Wangaratta office.
Dr Haines has lost both her legs and remains in a serious but stable condition in a Melbourne hospital.
Police are examining the motive of the alleged attack.
Politicians reverted to usual sledging during Question Time on Tuesday, despite urgent calls to turn the political temperature down in the week following the incident.
MPs from across the political divide paused proceedings on Monday for a full day of tributes to Dr Haines.
Speaker Milton Dick repeatedly called for order in the chamber 24 hours later, reminding MPs to “remember why we’re here”.
“This continual sledging and remarks and ongoing comment is not helpful to democracy, and it’s not even funny,” Mr Dick said.
“People are entitled to their views, but not when ministers are just addressing the house on topics that we should all be supportive of.
“You can disagree, but not with the snide comments.”
Independent Bradfield MP Nicolette Boele urged parliamentarians to “take a step back” and consider why they so often strayed from respectful debate.
“The quality of behaviour in parliament has become toxic, violent and inflammatory,” Ms Boele said after Question Time.
“We’ve fuelled this fire and now we have to douse it.”
Anthony Albanese told Labor MPs during a party room briefing on Tuesday morning he understood they wanted tighter security whether at the office or at home, with duress alarms one idea floated.
He said the government would fast-track an independent review, with safety and security recommendations a particular focus.
“You’ve all dedicated so much to the safety of others in the workplace,” Mr Albanese told colleagues.
“I’m determined to make sure we do everything for your safety and the safety of your staff as well.”
However, speaking on Insiders on Sunday, Australian Federal Police chief Krissy Barrett said while duress alarms were effective, a triple-zero call would trigger an immediate police response.
Political violence had largely been avoided in Australia because of a “robust parliamentary system”, Opposition Leader Angus Taylor told a coalition party room meeting.
“The foundation of the Westminster system was to stop violence and wars,” he said.
At least nine MPs will have security crackdowns accelerated for their electorate offices, Finance Minister Katy Gallagher confirmed, after they raised concerns last week.
Security in Parliament House’s public places has also been increased.
Security is handled across several departments: federal police are responsible for assessments and security details, Home Affairs looks after home security and Finance handles offices and transport.
All three co-ordinate to share information, Finance secretary Matt Yannopoulos told a late-night Senate estimates sitting on Monday.
Senator Gallagher warned the updated protection would not be enough to shield women in the public eye from abuse, urging social media companies to take action when threats are posted on their platforms.
Her comments came before the government’s Digital Duty of Care bill returned for debate in the lower house.
Under the proposal, social media platforms would be forced to protect users under 18 from content that promotes crime, eating disorders, pornography or misogynistic content, as well as posts that cause distress.
AAP