Some Australian lawmakers have paid for security upgrades themselves, The Guardian reported, as federal police data show reports involving several kinds of conduct increased in 2025–26.
The newspaper said it interviewed 10 federal lawmakers after Oct. 21 briefings with the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO). Concerns included protection at MPs’ homes and electorate offices among Labor, Coalition and crossbench members. Several lawmakers said they spent thousands of dollars on precautions after police advice; The Guardian did not specify individual amounts.
AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett said the force received 1,067 reports in 2025–26, compared with 951 in 2024–25. The categories include harassment, nuisance, offensive behavior or threats linked to senior officeholders, federal lawmakers, constituency offices and protected facilities. The AFP said some reports involved conduct below the level required for criminal action.
The briefings followed the Oct. 19 vehicle strike on independent MP Helen Haines outside her office in Wangaratta. Victoria Police said it had charged a 43-year-old man with dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury and causing harm to a Commonwealth public official. The force said it would allege the incident was targeted. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that day that investigators had not established a motive. Victoria Police said at the time it knew of no other connected threats.
The ABC separately reported that AFP assessments vary according to an MP’s assessed risk: those considered highest-risk receive individual assessments, while MPs in the lowest-risk group receive group assessments. Two MPs told the broadcaster they had not been offered a home assessment. The ABC also reported that private security firms may conduct residential assessments.
Two Labor MPs told The Guardian that backbenchers had raised concerns about whether electorate-office safety upgrades were funded promptly and sufficiently. Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said the AFP tracks politicians’ security both across Parliament and individually, and that the latest budget increased funding. He said he hoped safety concerns would not limit MPs’ contact with the public. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the government had not published specific security funding amounts or details of individual arrangements.
The AFP announced another round of safety briefings but gave no timetable. The Guardian reported that lawmakers were expected to return to Canberra next week.
