Threatening messages on balloons left at MP's office

Balloons with threatening messages

Staff at South Australian Labor MP Jayne Stinson's electorate office on Marion Road at Plympton found balloons outside the front and in the car park this morning.

Messages turned dark quickly

The balloons contained threats on Stinson's safety and life, sexist names, and abusive messages. One balloon contained powder that covered a staff member when popped.

“There were messages threatening to burn me, there were messages calling me swear words, sexist names.”

Stop the chop slogan on balloons

Several balloons had the words stop the chop scrawled on them, a slogan associated with a public campaign opposed to government projects in the state's parklands.

Police confirm investigation underway

South Australian Police confirmed it is investigating the matter, noting a threatening message was left on one of the balloons. Police are searching for two people believed to have left them.

Rising threats against elected officials

Police noted the incident comes amid an increase in threats directed towards elected representatives, candidates and others involved in public life.

Stinson's message to those responsible

Stinson said protesting and voicing concerns to MPs is encouraged, but threatening behaviour crosses a line and has no place in democratic exchange. She urged those responsible to come forward.

“Protesting is fine, voicing your concerns to your MP is not just fine but encouraged, I welcome that, but when it steps over the line … that's just not on.”

Staff safety concerns and prior threats

Stinson said she had previously faced threats and attempted physical assaults during her two terms in office and felt upset for her staff, who should feel safe at work.