Federal police reports of MP abuse nearly doubled in four years
Threatening behaviour toward federal politicians has almost doubled. Reports to the Australian Federal Police jumped to 1,067 in four years.
Threatening and harassing behaviour toward Australian politicians has surged. The alleged attack on independent MP Helen Haines has prompted scrutiny of the issue.
Reports to the Australian Federal Police jumped to 1,067 in 2025-26. The figure was almost double that from four years earlier.
The pattern repeats across state and local government. In Victoria, 82 per cent of state MPs reported harassment.
85 per cent reported harmful threats. A survey of local councillors found 85 per cent experienced abuse, threats or violence in the past year.
Women bear a heavier burden. Nearly half of female councillors experienced gender-based harassment, compared to 13 per cent of men.
Many politicians are changing how they work. Among those who experienced serious incidents, 69 per cent reported they changed their community representation, including reducing public engagement.
Why it mattersAbuse of political figures makes them harder to reach. It makes them less responsive to communities and more likely to step back from public service.
AustraliaOne in three Australian federal and state MPs have reduced public engagement due to threats; local councillors, who lack security support, face the highest abuse rates.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago
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