Increased threats spark boost to Queensland MPs’ home security allowance

Queensland MPs have been granted a new $6500 allowance on top of their salaries to use on security measures at their homes, with the Premier outlining why it’s justified.

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli backed the tribunal’s decision, arguing representatives had experienced threats of violence. Picture: Supplied/Department of the Premier/Tertius Pickard.

• Editor’s view: Going the way of US

Gunshot sounds left on a politician’s voicemail, a violent shakedown and the frequency of threats justifies most Queensland MPs getting up to $6500 for home security, the Premier says.

The Queensland Independent Remuneration Tribunal granted the new allowance for MPs for the reimbursement of up to $6500 for installing, repairing or upgrading home security measures.

Under the determination, a politician could use the cash to engage security services if it was deemed necessary.

The new allowance excludes ministers, the Opposition Leader and Speaker, who already have access to a security cost reimbursement.

It comes after an increase in threats against Queensland MPs since the Covid-19 pandemic, with the tribunal noting the “potential safety risks” they faced at public engagements,

in transit or in their home.

Under the independent tribunal’s determination an MP can use the allowance to purchase, install, repair or upgrade home security systems including security screens and improving line of sight and lighting for CCTV.

The home security upgrade would occur after a risk assessment undertaken by Queensland Police Service or a security adviser.

Premier David Crisafulli on Monday backed the tribunal’s decision, arguing representatives had experienced threats of violence.

“One’s been physically beaten up, two have had threats – death threats – and one had a shotgun blared down their home phone,” he said.

“So I reckon an independent body has looked at that and said that’s (the entitlements) probably OK.”

A man was found guilty of stalking Tony Perrett, pictured, last year.

In November Kilkivan man Mark David Ward was found guilty of stalking Primary Industries Minister Tony Perrett.

Ward had been in custody since September following “escalating” threats against Mr Perrett.

The Member for Gympie received a 30-second voicemail recording on his phone, with the only sound four successive gunshots, Gympie Magistrates Court was told.

During the state election campaign Sean Dillon – now the MP for Gregory – was assaulted on a remote road in western Queensland.

Mr Dillon was returning home from campaigning in Winton when he pulled over to help two people he thought had broken down.

Sean Dillon was assaulted and his family threatened when he pulled over to help people he thought had broken down. Picture: Liam Kidston.

He said one man “threw me back against the car” and threatened his family.

“I was physically accosted at that point and given some pretty explicit and expressly clear instructions about what they thought around my continued involvement in politics and what I should and shouldn’t do,” Mr Dillon said.
Queensland MPs have, generally, experienced an increase in threats since the Covid-19 pandemic.

Additional police officers were sent to media conferences and public events featuring ministers and prominent MPs.

Former chief heath officers Jeannette Young and John Gerrard faced threats, with Dr Young securing around-the-clock police protection at the height of the pandemic.

Originally published as Increased threats spark boost to Queensland MPs’ home security allowance