The Independent reported that Australia’s Parliament met under tighter security Monday, where Prime Minister Anthony Albanese used a tribute to injured lawmaker Helen Haines to warn that rising anger was corroding public discourse.
The session was Parliament’s first since Oct. 19, the outlet said. Authorities allege a driver struck Haines twice with an SUV outside her electorate office that day. The Independent reported that Haines remained in serious but stable condition at a Melbourne hospital. Police had not disclosed a motive, and the accused man, 43, faces charges that include intentionally causing serious injury, it reported.
Albanese urged lawmakers to wait for investigators before reaching conclusions. “We must not rush to conclusions,” he told Parliament, according to The Independent. He also connected growing hostility toward people in politics, workers and public officials to social media’s anonymity and speed, the outlet reported.
Australian Federal Police (AFP) Commissioner Krissy Barrett told ABC News that threats against male and female lawmakers were evenly spread, while threats against women were more personalized, The Independent reported. Barrett also linked political rivals’ rhetoric to threats and abuse aimed at lawmakers, the outlet said.
Opposition Leader Angus Taylor rejected a suggested connection between vigorous parliamentary debate and political violence, The Independent reported. Speaker Milton Dick said signing a civility pledge was each lawmaker’s personal choice and urged members to keep discussing their response.
The Independent reported that Haines’ signature, about two months ago, was the first by an Australian lawmaker. Around six federal and state lawmakers had since committed to sign, the outlet said. Independent MP Kate Chaney told ABC News she intended to join them, according to The Independent. The think tank Compassion in Politics Australia has advocated for the pledge.
EconoTimes previously covered plans for the Oct. 26 tribute. Earlier EconoTimes coverage said the pledge effort was inspired by the family of British MP Jo Cox, who was murdered in 2016. Parliament was due to return to its regular schedule Tuesday, Oct. 27, according to that coverage.
