Australian political figures address online abuse, lobbyist register and recent assault incident
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Australian officials discussed the need for respectful debate, online platform accountability, a new lobbyist register in Victoria, and a recent assault involving a Liberal candidate's husband.
Liberal senator Anne Ruston told ABC Radio National that politicians must set a tone of respect in debate, emphasizing that robust discussion can coexist with civility. "We can be robust and strong, but still be respectful," she said.
Women’s Minister Katy Gallagher warned that threats and abusive language on social media have risen sharply, calling for platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and TikTok to take responsibility for curbing abuse.
The Victorian Greens announced a plan to create a legislated lobbyist register and to ban political donations from gambling, fossil-fuel and property-development companies, arguing that current rules allow corporate influence to affect everyday Victorians.
Former Rio Tinto executive Kellie Parker was appointed national armaments director of a new defence procurement agency, with Defence Minister Pat Conroy noting her experience in cultural change within a male-dominated industry.
Defence Minister Richard Marles warned that malicious actors are using artificial intelligence to identify vulnerabilities in outdated online systems, urging organisations to prioritise cybersecurity upgrades.
Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet Steven Kennedy told parliament that female and First Nations public servants often face more severe online abuse, prompting calls for clearer rules on the posting of parliamentary testimony.
Police charged a 59-year-old man in Mernda with reckless injury, criminal damage and unlawful assault after an alleged confrontation with the husband of Liberal candidate Amanda Dow, who was injured while retrieving campaign signage.
Independent senator Jacqui Lambie said One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has not personally apologised for a cartoon that referenced Lambie's medical condition, despite Hanson’s public apology and the removal of the video. One Nation candidate Mark Nicholson, who produced the cartoon, said he would apologise only if he deemed it necessary.