Helen Haines attacked; study shows threats to MPs have tripled
Independent MP Helen Haines was attacked. A study she backed shows half of female MPs fear for safety.
Helen Haines, an Independent MP, was attacked this week and critically injured. Haines backed "Fit To Lead", a major study on threats facing Australian politicians.
The research looked at the experiences of 288 current and five former representatives from federal, state and local government. Half of female respondents reported that fears for their safety greatly affected their wellbeing.
Nearly 40 per cent said their wellbeing stopped them from speaking out on issues they believe are important. Annual threats against federal MPs and high office holders have risen from 300 to over 1000.
This happened in the past five years. The study is run by the Berlin-based Better Politics Foundation.
It will be released next month.
- 288 current and 5 former MPs
- Study respondents
- Half of respondents
- Female MPs affected by safety fears
- Rose from 300 to over 1000 in past 5 years
- Annual threats to federal MPs
- Nearly 40 per cent
- MPs silenced by safety concerns
Why it mattersThreats to MPs silence key voices. They drive talented people away from politics when democracy needs them most.
AustraliaAustralian MPs now work in a much more hostile environment than previous generations, affecting which voices stand for parliament and which issues get raised.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 4 h ago
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