Albanese promises ‘swift response’ on MP safety as he mulls panic buttons for politicians
Summary
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese promised a swift government response to threats against MPs and their staff. The government is considering options including duress alarms, stronger security at electorate offices, and safety measures at polling places; it has not announced specific changes.Key Facts
- Albanese told Labor MPs that politicians and their staff had faced threats for too long and that the government needed to do more.
- Several MPs have raised the possibility of providing duress alarms, also called panic buttons, to alert authorities during a safety incident.
- Government sources said officials were considering stronger security at electoral offices, better communication with federal police, and security measures for MPs’ homes.
- Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the government was also examining safety at polling booths around election time.
- Labor plans to expedite a review of Commonwealth workplaces, with recommendations on safety and security expected soon.
- Opposition leader Angus Taylor told Coalition MPs that he had ongoing discussions with the government about personal safety.
- Independent senator Fatima Payman criticized the allocation of staff to her office and said she had no advisers, according to an internal document tabled at a hearing.
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