Australian political figures confront online abuse, corporate influence and a fresh assault case
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Australian officials and lawmakers highlighted the need for respectful political debate, stronger platform accountability, tougher limits on corporate lobbying and donations, and a recent assault tied to campaign activity.
Liberal senator Anne Ruston told ABC Radio National that politicians must set a tone of respect in debate, stressing that strong argument should never be used as an excuse for cruelty or intimidation. "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, urging platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and TikTok to stop shielding abuse and to accept responsibility for curbing it.
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 the current rules leave everyday Victorians exposed to corporate power and backroom influence.
Former Rio Tinto executive Kellie Parker was appointed national armaments director of a new defence procurement agency, with Defence Minister Pat Conroy pointing to her experience in driving cultural change within a male-dominated industry.
Defence Minister Richard Marles warned that malicious actors are using artificial intelligence to find weaknesses in outdated online systems, urging organisations to prioritise cybersecurity upgrades before more damage is done.
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 renewed 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.