Updated ,first published
Politicians will receive a security boost that could include a wider use of emergency alarms in their offices, as the government treats last week’s attack on independent Helen Haines as a turning point for MPs’ safety.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told the Labor caucus on Tuesday morning that the government would speed up an existing security review that had been due to report next year.
“Last week was a turning point, and people have been putting up with this growing threat environment for too long,” he told his MPs.
“More can and should be done. I understand you want to feel safe when you’re in the community and have better security at your office and your home. There are a series of options you have raised including duress alarms, and we are looking at all of it.”
MPs of all stripes attended briefings with intelligence agencies following the attack on Haines. Many aired their ongoing frustrations about how long it took for their security requests to be actioned, and several MPs also made requests about duress alarms.
This masthead revealed last week that the government was examining a major round of security upgrades for MPs’ homes, as well as swifter upgrades for offices and more proactive threat assessments from the AFP.
Albanese said the government had already taken steps recently to step up resourcing for politicians’ safety and the Australian Federal Police, but recognised more could be done.
He has asked for the security review recommendations to be fast-tracked, and requested Special Minister of State Don Farrell, Finance Minister Katy Gallagher and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke work together on delivering a “swift government response”.
“I know so many of you have experienced an increase in aggressive and threatening behaviour online and in person. There have been vile threats towards you and your family and damage to your electorate offices,” Albanese said.
“This is particularly acute for women members of the caucus, who often receive vile and misogynistic threats to their safety and increased hatred online, often of a violent and sexual nature.
“I know how hard every single one of you works each day to ensure that we are accessible to our community and that people can speak to us… We need to do more to combat these threats.”
Last week’s four-wheel-drive attack on the independent MP has exposed long-running tensions between federal parliamentarians and the authorities responsible for protecting them.
Elected officials claim security agencies are too reactive and need to modernise their communication with MPs to ensure politicians and their staff feel safe. But authorities have also expressed frustration with MPs who fail to follow protocol when flagging high-risk events or reporting incidents.
Opposition leader Angus Taylor also addressed the security concerns of MPs in a joint party room meeting of Coalition MPs on Tuesday morning, saying it was important to “get that right”.
More to come
More from our Helen Haines coverage
Natassia Chrysanthos is Federal Political Correspondent. She has previously reported on immigration, health, social issues and the NDIS from Parliament House in Canberra.Connect via X or email.
Paul Sakkal is Chief Political Correspondent. He previously covered Victorian politics and won a Walkley award and the 2025 Press Gallery Journalist of the Year. Contact him securely on Signal @paulsakkal.14.Connect via X or email.From our partners
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