Pollie panic buttons – MPs want better security amid rise in threats

A new report has called for better safety measures for female politicians amid a disturbing rise in threats.

Pollies are demanding state parliament bolster security amid a rise in threats, including allowing MPs to be able to use their allowances on home CCTV, alarms and personal panic buttons.

The call follows the release of a Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWA) report into security arrangements for female MPs, which calls for greater security.

The Sunday Telegraph is aware of at least three other separate incidents involving NSW MPs, including one occurring in May this year where a man called an electorate office and threatened to knock people out with a cricket bat.

The man was later arrested and given bail on condition he not contact or come within a certain distance of the office.

The electoral office of NSW Premier Chris Minns on Regent Street in Kogarah was vandalised last night with red paint and the word "murder."

In a separate incident, Gosford MP Liesl Tesch woke in April this year to find a death threat painted on the footpath outside her home. The incident was reported to police.

The third incident involved NSW Liberal MP Kellie Sloane, who received a series of disturbing emails over a three-month period last year.

It is not just women who have been targeted – a teenager last month turned up at the office of Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp allegedly armed with knives and tactical equipment while Premier Chris Minns had “murderer” spray-painted on his office.

But, unlike ministers, security for MPs is limited.

Noting a “concerning trend” in the rise of “far right extremism”, the report – authored by Labor MP Lynda Voltz – said parliaments across Australia needed to ensure that there was a comprehensive plan representing the threat of risk at that time and state and federal police audits of “every MP” to assess the risk.

Michael Edkins, 68, has been charged with allegedly sending Vaucluse state Liberal MP Kellie Sloane harassing emails. Picture: Rohan Kelly

Kellie Sloane said that she “wholeheartedly” endorsed the recommendations in the security report. Picture: Julian Andrews

“It is apparent the greatest threat to members of parliament is increasingly in the public domain or their homes. Parliaments should consider allowing MPs to use their allowances for the inclusion of security measures within their home for CCTV or alarms, and, for personal panic buttons on their person if the member wishes,” the report said.

Earlier this year, Michael Charles Edkins, 68, pleaded guilty to a charge of using a carriage service to menace, harass or offend Ms Sloane, admitting he sent her a number of disturbing emails over a three-month period last year. He is set to be sentenced in July.

Death threat outside home of Gosford MP Liesl Teach

While Ms Sloane would not comment on the matter, she told The Sunday Telegraph that she “wholeheartedly” endorsed the recommendations in the security report.

“I believe it’s very important for all MPs to have security that extends beyond their parliamentary office and electorate office.

“The majority of people are kind and decent and respectful but it just takes one person.”

It is understood Ms Sloane has been unable to advertise her public appearances in advance due to security concerns.

Ms Tesch said MPs should feel safe to represent the community, “especially women”.

“It is time for change,” she said.

In the case of Mr Crakanthorp, a Raymond Terrace teenager has since been charged with a terrorism ­offence.

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