Anthony Albanese ‘was lobbied to review MP security’
Anthony Albanese was lobbied to conduct a review of protective security arrangements for MPs back in July 2022 following the assassination of former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe.
Anthony Albanese was lobbied to launch a review into the personal safety of parliamentarians shortly after winning government, with Victorian Nationals MP Darren Chester writing to the Prime Minister in July 2022 to express his concern about the security arrangements for House of Representative members and senators.
In the letter penned by Mr Chester on July 13, 2022, following the assassination of former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe, the Nationals MP told Mr Albanese his fear was that “MPs and senators are potentially vulnerable to attacks at home, and while undertaking duties in the community.”
“I believe there is a gap in the level of training and advice that members receive in relation to personal security and an independent review is required,” he said.
“In my view, a cross-party committee should be established to oversee the review of MPs’ personal security arrangements with recommendations to be made to the office of Prime Minister and Cabinet by the end of this calendar year.”
Former Home Affairs secretary Mike Pezzullo has also called for a comprehensive review into protective security in Australia following the attempt on Donald Trump’s life, arguing that this exercise had last been conducted in 1979 by judge Robert Hope.
Mr Chester wrote a second letter to Mr Albanese on October 2 last year, arguing that the “assassinations of political leaders in other democratic nations … have reinforced my view (of the) need to take further action to ensure the safety of our elected representatives.”
He cited the incident where former Northern Territory chief minister Natasha Fyles had a cream pie slammed in her face at 11.40am on a Sunday market visit as a concerning development.
“The alleged offender claimed she acted out of ‘frustration’ and sought to downplay the incident but the video footage clearly demonstrates it was an aggressive act which could have had serious implications if a different ‘weapon’ was chosen,” he said.
“I’m unconvinced that security agencies are aware of the full extent of concerning behaviours directed at MPs and a survey of all current members and senators may be appropriate.”
On Wednesday, the Prime Minister provided an assurance that the government took the safety of MPs seriously after former home affairs minister Karen Andrews warned it was “only a matter of time” until an assassination attempt was made on an Australian politician.
“I am concerned,” Mr Albanese said. “Security is a real issue.
“These issues are real and that is why we continue to have proper scrutiny and ongoing reviews of ensuring that political processes can occur in a safe way and that is appropriate in this country.”
The Australian understands the newly established Protective Security Board – chaired by Home Affairs secretary Stephanie Foster – was charged with making contact with MPs this year as it worked to refine protective security arrangements and examine possible education and training opportunities for parliamentarians.
A broader review of protective security arrangements was being overseen in the first half of the year by the Department of Home Affairs and the Australian Federal Police.
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