PM Pledges Quick Action on MP Safety After Attack Sparks Alarm

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese promised a swift government response to safety threats facing members of Parliament. The pledge came hours after Senator Fatima Payman criticized the Labor party for inadequate office staffing. The Prime Minister told the Labor partyroom that politicians and their staff have endured a hostile threat environment for too long. He stated that this week must serve as a turning point for how the government handles civil discourse and security.

Albanese conceded that the government needs to invest more in safety measures for elected officials. He said, “I’m determined to make sure we do everything for your safety and the safety of your staff as well.” While he did not provide a full list of immediate actions, he confirmed that duress alarms, or panic buttons, are among the options being considered. These devices would allow MPs to alert authorities during a safety incident. The Prime Minister described the package of changes as a series of options currently under review.

The push for better protection followed an alleged attack on the Member of Parliament for Indi last week. MPs from across the political spectrum have reported a rise in threats against their staff. These threats include death and rape threats delivered both online and offline. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke also informed the meeting that the government is reviewing safety measures at polling booths ahead of the next election. An ongoing review of Commonwealth workplaces will be expedited to deliver recommendations on safety and security soon.

Government sources indicated that a full proposal is likely to be revealed in the coming days. MPs have requested specific changes, including harder security for electoral offices and better communication with federal police. They also want resources for private home security, such as CCTV cameras and lighting. Opposition Leader Angus Taylor told his Coalition MPs that discussions with the government are ongoing. He emphasized the need to get personal safety right but did not put forward specific new proposals.

Senator Fatima Payman, who sits on the crossbench, raised the staffing issue during a Senate estimates hearing. She questioned Minister Don Farrell about the allocation of personal staff. According to an internal document tabled in the hearing, Payman has zero senior advisers. In contrast, 16 other crossbench MPs and senators share 30 advisers. Payman claimed her current staff are severely overworked and burning out. She asked, “Is the prime minister waiting for something, like what happened to Dr Helen Haines, to occur to my office?”

Payman stated that the number of death threats and hate comments has increased significantly since she left Labor in 2024. She described a recent incident where her office manager opened mail containing human faeces. A biohazard team in hazmat suits had to respond to the situation. Payman said the trauma inflicted on her staff is horrible and that no worker should have to deal with such conditions.

Farrell and other Labor senators rejected the insinuation that the staffing gap was a personal slight. Payman refused to withdraw her comments until her request for additional staff was addressed. The Prime Minister has discretion over the allocation of these senior advisers. All politicians receive electoral office staff, but the number of personal advisers varies by role and party position.