Australian political figures push back on abuse, tighten scrutiny on lobbying and respond to assault incident
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Australian officials stressed civil debate, demanded more accountability from social media platforms, advanced new lobbying restrictions in Victoria, and addressed a recent assault connected to campaign activity.
Liberal senator Anne Ruston told ABC Radio National that politicians must set a tone of respect in debate, making clear that robust discussion can still be conducted with civility and discipline. "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 on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and TikTok to take responsibility and do more to curb abuse spreading across their services.
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 reach into the lives of 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Minister Richard Marles warned that malicious actors are using artificial intelligence to identify vulnerabilities in outdated online systems, urging organisations to prioritise cybersecurity upgrades and close gaps before they are exploited.
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.