WA Police Minister Reece Whitby has lamented the decline of “civility” in online public debate, blaming “MAGA rubbish” imported from the US political discourse as the precursor for physical violence.
Whitby was one of several WA politicians expressing dismay and shock after Victorian Independent MP Helen Haines was hit by a car on Monday afternoon in what appears to be a targeted attack.
“Be robust in your debate, but don’t attack the person, and don’t get personal,” Whitby said.
“The kind of language we see, which is imported from the US so it’s MAGA rubbish, it doesn’t sit with Australian views.
“The extremes on either side of the political spectrum end up meeting because they’re exactly the same. I don’t care if you’re left or right – you’re a threat.”
Whitby said vile, abusive language online was a precursor to people carrying out violent acts in real life, and accused “some in the political system” of egging it on.
“It actually makes some people –who’ve gone down the rabbit hole and been radicalised – it gives them licence to carry out action,” he said.
Asked whether he was referring to One Nation as the political party egging on behaviour, Whitby said: “You can make your own minds up about that, but you know you’ve seen it. You’ve seen the language. We don’t need that at all.”
Nationals MP Lachlan Hunter called for an audit of security measures at Parliament House and electorate offices, noting one of his offices doesn’t have security cameras.
Whitby said there had already been a review of security at Parliament following the arrest of a 20-year-old man who was allegedly planning a mass casualty attack on WA parliament, as well as police precincts and religious institutions.
“We’ve had police add their presence … and security arrangements have been beefed up previously,” he said.
“We can’t put a cocoon around members of parliament. I’m really angry and sad today, but I don’t want to see this place cornered off. It’s the people’s house. People come here to demonstrate.”
Hunter said he had written to Premier Roger Cook twice recently to relay his security concerns, particularly about his two electorate offices, but had received no response.
“I would like to see the premier actually do a security review and audit of not only this building behind me at Parliament House, but also all electorate offices as well,” he said.
“I’ve received a number of threats being elected only in March last year. I received a number of threats when I was a candidate running for public office.
“I think these are part and parcel of being a public figure, but there needs to be stronger mechanisms in place.
“I’m worried, as not only a state member of parliament but as a regional member of parliament, that the increased level of threat … is at an all-time high.”
Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Jessica Stojkovski said in the past 10 years, there had been an increase in “the temperature of political discourse”, but that she herself felt safe.
“I think all members of parliament experience online threats … and that female MPs are targeted,” she said.
Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas said the incident involving Haines was “incredibly traumatic”.
“I’ve got to say, I feel supported in the Churchlands office, and the team feels supported, and I know that is the experience of many, but if there are any gaps in the system, then obviously we would ask those in charge of such matters to make sure that any gaps are rectified,” he said.
Midland Labor MP Steve Catania said he personally didn’t feel unsafe but said the social media discourse was getting worse.
He said it would be a shame if it got to the point of needing to reduce public access to MPs.
Cook was approached for comment.
