Australian MPs are facing a rising tide of security threats. Our national politics has lost its down-to-earth spirit

Ask almost any MP in Canberra, let alone those with high public profiles, and they will have a list of disturbing personal security incidents. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP

One of Andy Burnham’s priorities when he becomes British prime minister in a few days is a review of security for members of parliament.

Away from Westminster while serving as the mayor of Greater Manchester, Burnham says he has been shocked by the change in security threats facing parliamentarians during his decade absent.