AFP chief reveals scale of threats to MPs
Krissy Barrett echoed ASIO in saying that language and announcements from the nation’s leaders had an observable effect on the volume and nature of threats.
AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett has stated there is a direct correlation between inflammatory political discourse and threats against parliamentarians. According to ABC News AU, Barrett noted that police regularly observe an increase in the harassment of MPs following periods of heated debate, sometimes seeing an immediate connection to specific rhetoric.
Barrett, echoing ASIO, noted that language and announcements from the nation's leaders have an observable effect on the volume and nature of these threats, according to The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. While the AFP does not intend to curtail free speech or intervene in legitimate political debate, Barrett stated there is a role for law enforcement when rhetoric escalates into violent threats.
The Commissioner declined to provide specific examples when asked if content such as One Nation's YouTube material was a factor. She noted that while the AFP will continue to advise MPs, individuals will have to make their own decisions regarding their safety.
Brief written by urgent.news from The Sydney Morning Herald, ABC News AU, The Age — 3 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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