Parliament ramps up security after alleged attack on Helen Haines as MPs debate online anonymity and police‑cell audits

Parliament House has stepped up security after the alleged attack on MP Helen Haines. Liberal MP Dan Tehan said the security inside parliament is "pretty good" and noted that a lot of money, effort and thought have gone into recent upgrades. He added that the real vulnerability is when MPs are out in their constituencies, suggesting that focus should shift to community safety. Tehan also warned that anonymous online accounts fuel inflammatory political talk, saying freedom of speech must be balanced with accountability and that people should put their name to their words. The Victorian auditor‑general announced an audit of police‑cell detention, checking if holding people beyond the 14‑day limit breaches human‑rights guidelines. The review follows reports that the practice of "decanting" moves detainees hundreds of kilometres, sometimes keeping them in cells longer than intended and making it hard to attend court or see lawyers. The audit will consider how recent bail reforms pressure prison beds and staff. Cabinet minister Mark Butler told ABC Radio National that safety for MPs, their families and staff has "changed dramatically" in his 20‑year career, and praised the federal police for responding quickly to threats.

Context

Parliament’s security boost, online anonymity concerns and the Victorian audit all highlight growing worries about safety and rights for public officials and detainees in Australia.