Labor MP questions social media value after alleged online threats
A man was charged with threatening NSW MP Liesl Tesch the same week research found most female politicians and women running for office had received online abuse.
Labor MP Liesl Tesch has expressed her concerns regarding the value of social media following an alleged online threat against her. Recent research indicates that half of women in political positions reconsider their involvement after experiencing abuse. NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon mentioned that most online abuse cases require proving intent to harm.
The 43-year-old man charged with threatening Ms. Tesch has been released on conditional bail and is set to face court in September. The MP admitted that the incident has made her question the role of social media in her public life. She highlighted that women in public life and female journalists are particularly affected by the harmful content on social media platforms.
Tesch emphasized the empowerment of faceless individuals in causing harm through anonymous or pseudonymous accounts. The arrest occurred in the same week that a report by Women For Election revealed that 90% of 110 women running or elected to office have faced online abuse or intimidation. Half of these women considered not running again due to the abuse they have encountered.
Women For Election CEO Licia Heath suggested that the solution lies in addressing the root cause – the systems and tech platforms – rather than expecting women to toughen up. Heath called for changes in rules to protect councillors in NSW local government who are mandated to publish their addresses. She expressed worry that online threats are escalating to physical threats and fears that someone might be killed while in office, particularly in local government.
Cumberland Mayor Ola Hamed shared her own experience of her car being set on fire due to her position on the council. Hamed mentioned that she is often targeted with abuse based on her gender and Muslim faith. She lamented that women councillors were threatened with murder just two weeks ago. Hamed believes this issue is deeply rooted in culture and requires change.
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon noted a rise in people using social media to make "cowardly" comments under false identities. In New South Wales, the majority of offenses require intent for prosecution, but Commonwealth offenses exist for inciting harassment, menace, or offense online.
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