Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese is considering “panic buttons” for electorate offices of politicians as part of a wider security response to escalating threats against MPs and their staff.
The move comes amid growing concern across the political spectrum following an attack on independent MP Helen Haines, prompting calls for stronger protection at electorate offices and politicians’ homes.
Addressing Labor MPs on Tuesday, Mr Albanese acknowledged that politicians had “put up with the threat environment for too long”.
He said the government needed to do more to protect elected representatives and their staff, adding that this week should mark a turning point in how it addresses threats and political hostility.
Mr Albanese did not outline specific measures but said panic buttons or duress alarms that alert authorities to security incidents were among several options being considered.
“You’ve all dedicated so much to the safety of others in the workplace. I’m determined to make sure we do everything for your safety and the safety of your staff as well,” he said.
Home affairs minister Tony Burke also told the meeting that the government was considering security arrangements at polling stations during elections.
MPs have raised concerns about the need for reinforced office security, improved coordination with federal police, and additional measures such as CCTV cameras and better lighting at their private residences.
Mr Albanese’s pledge came hours after independent senator Fatima Payman criticised her former Labor colleagues over what she described as an inadequate allocation of staff to her office.
Ms Payman, who left Labor in 2024 to sit as an independent, challenged the government during a senate estimates hearing over its failure to grant her additional advisers, saying her existing staff were overworked.
“If he cares so much about the welfare and wellbeing of people who work in this building, then I implore you and the prime minister to please look into the fact that my staff are burning out,” she told minister Don Farrell.
“Is the prime minister waiting for something, like what happened to Dr Helen Haines, to occur to my office? To me? For him to take our request seriously?”
Ms Haines has had both legs amputated after being rammed by a car outside her electoral office.
The alleged attacker struck her twice with his car in Wangaratta, northeast of Melbourne, on Monday. Brendan Nugent, a 43-year-old resident of the rural town of Tarrawingee within Ms Haines' electorate, was charged with three offences: dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury, and causing harm to a public official.
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