Violent threats levelled at the ACT's politicians are becoming more frequent and the escalation has prompted the Legislative Assembly to boost its security by contracting armed guards for the first time.
A renewed focus on Australian politicians' safety is following what Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said was an attack on Helen Haines, the federal independent member for Indi, outside her Wangaratta electorate office on Monday afternoon.
Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the attack on Dr Haines was devastatingly sad but he was not surprised because abuse of politicians had only been building.
