Australian politics Albanese mulls duress alarms for MPs
Anthony Albanese says his government is considering duress alarms for MPs and a broader response to threats against politicians and their staff. The proposal…
Threats against politicians and their staff have prompted a promised government response in Australia. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is considering duress alarms for MPs’ offices and security at polling booths, following an alleged attack on independent MP Helen Haines.
Albanese said politicians and their staff had put up with threats for too long. The measures remain under consideration, with the government also acknowledging the need for greater investment in security and safety.
“Swift government response,” Albanese promised, according to The Guardian’s live coverage of Australian politics. He said MPs had raised the prospect of duress alarms, also known as panic buttons, as one of a “series of options” being examined.
The issue reached the Labor party room on Tuesday morning, where Albanese delivered a lengthy address. He said last week’s attack on Haines “must be a turning point” for civil discourse.
For MPs and their staff, the proposal could mean a way to alert authorities from political offices if a threat emerges. The government has not announced that alarms will be provided, or set out how any system would work. Polling booth safety is also under review, with Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke saying the government was looking at security around election time.
Polling booth security also under review
The discussion brings election workers and voters into the wider safety debate. The government is considering security at polling booths alongside protections for parliamentarians and staff, but the available report gives no details of specific measures or a timetable.
The scrutiny follows the alleged attack on Haines. The Guardian reported that threats and physical abuse against politicians have received greater attention in its aftermath. Albanese’s comments signal a response is being considered, rather than a final decision on the form it will take.
Albanese also conceded that more investment in security and safety was needed. His remarks did not specify the amount or identify how funding would be allocated.
The debate is focused on practical protections: whether offices could use alarms to alert authorities, and what steps might improve safety at polling places during an election. Burke’s comments confirm that polling booth security is part of the government’s review, while the alarm proposal remains one option among several.
The Guardian’s report said MPs had raised duress alarms with Albanese. No decision on their provision was announced in the account.
Source: theguardian.com
