An attack on a respected MP

Helen Haines, member for Indi, was gravely injured in an alleged attack. She is described as perhaps federal parliament's most respected and loved lower house member.

Political vitriol has no real consequences

Abuse hurled across parliament chambers by elected representatives faces only brief suspension amid guffaws. Political operatives pursue opponents online with vicious personal attacks, often disguised as humour.

Recent examples of violent rhetoric

The last fortnight saw verbal evocations of violence in the House of Representatives, including references to public execution defended by senior mainstream politicians, and murder fantasies at a major conservative conference.

Social media amplifies the worst

Social media echo and amplify the worst excesses of political discourse, contorting it into ideations and outright threats of violence against politicians and their staff, often gendered and sexual.

Media outlets fuel polarisation

Too many media outlets, old and new, pick sides and foment polarisation. The marketability of political hate and division drives the internet in times of news media convergence.

Government action on tech remains limited

The federal government has shown willingness to take on major tech companies to protect children from social media excesses, but shows no similar willingness to curb political hate speech.

Parliament talks but rarely acts

In times of crisis, federal and state parliaments do national introspection well. But too often nothing comes of it. Now is the time for leaders to act, not merely speak.

“In times of crisis our federal and some state parliaments do national introspection well. But too often nothing comes of it.”

A moment for paradigm shift

If Haines' experience represents a national reckoning, it is time for a paradigm shift to redemptive action. Legislation alone cannot foster tolerance and kindness, but action is now essential.