Female MPs unite across parties to counter abuse and violence
Female MPs from Labor, Coalition, and Independent parties are forming a support network. This responds to abuse and violence against women MPs.
Female MPs are building a cross-party network for safety and support. This follows an alleged attack on Independent MP Helen Haines.
Harassment of women MPs is growing. Katy Gallagher (Labor), Melissa McIntosh (Coalition), and Rebekha Sharkie (Independent) announced the Network of Women in Parliament on Thursday.
Women MPs report facing more sexual and personal abuse than male colleagues. One used an app that filtered 21,000 threatening comments from her social media.
Helen Haines is recovering after being hit by a four-wheel drive outside her office. Other female MPs have recently faced threats and stalking.
The network officially launches at Parliament House on 24 November.
Why it mattersParliament recognizes women face more abuse. This formal peer support across parties addresses a safety issue facing parliament.
AustraliaAustralian women considering political careers will see parliament prioritising their safety; harassment of female MPs becomes a named issue requiring institutional response.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago
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