Victorian parliament security incidents continue to rise since the Covid pandemic

MPs are calling for greater protection to combat the increase in security incidents including threats, intimidation, vandalism and demonstrations at parliament.

The number of security incidents at parliament have almost tripled since before Covid.

Latest parliamentary data reveals 286 security incidents were recorded across parliament and electorate offices until May in 2022-2023.

Incidents include threats and intimidation, vandalism and demonstrations.

The number is significantly higher than the 107 incidents recorded in 2019-2020.

The number of incidents increased dramatically during the pandemic as a result of Covid restrictions and pandemic legislation.

Protesters rally against Covid restrictions at the steps of parliament. Picture: Tony Gough

But MPs say they are concerned the number has not fallen post pandemic.

Manager of opposition business, James Newbury, said state MPs were not afforded the same legal cover as their federal counterparts.

Under Commonwealth legislation Federal MPs are provided with additional protections at law including specific offences for causing harm to or obstructing Commonwealth public officials.

“Every Victorian, including those who work at Parliament House, should be safe at work,” Mr Newbury said.

“But we know Members are now being threatened, on average, every day of the working week.

“We need to consider whether substandard Victorian laws and protections need to be brought into line with national measures.”

Parliamentary data also shows that during an average day the Victorian parliament’s computer network receives more than 10,000 threat events.

Presiding officers Shaune Leane and Maree Edwards told the parliament’s Public Accounts and Estimates Committee the security and wellbeing of MPs, staff and visitors was a priority.

“As Presiding Officers, we will work closely with Members and stakeholders on any proposals for legislative reform that are aimed at increasing safety of all those participants in the parliamentary workplace,” they said.

“However, changes to legislation are ultimately matters for the Houses to determine.”

A government spokesperson refused to comment saying: “parliament security matters are a matter for the parliament.”

Earlier this month Bradley Carter faced court accused of stalking and harassing Daniel Andrews.

The court heard Mr Carter left voicemails or spoke to staff at Mr Andrews’ office.

“You tell Danny boy my proxies are on the way, it’s up to him whether they’re wearing white or black hats,” one message allegedly read.

“You stole justice from the wrong man you little twerps.”

“They were informed of the virus three years before the virus.”

The Premier has also been subjected to death threats.

In March, Animal Justice Party MP Georgie Purcell detailed being repeatedly abused and harassed since entering politics.