By Maddison Howell
Victorian Legislative Council Member Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell has raised concerns about abuse directed at elected representatives following the attack on federal MP Helen Haines.
Dr Haines remains in a serious but stable condition at Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital after being struck by a vehicle outside her Wangaratta electorate office on October 19. Sadly, both of her legs were amputated due to the severity of her injuries.
Ms Tyrrell said political debate had become more heated in recent times, recalling an incident where an agitated person approached her at a public event.
“I admit it was unsettling but because I had friends and staff around, I did not feel unsafe,” she said.
She said online personal abuse of politicians and candidates went too far, and praised Parliament’s security team for protecting MPs and staff.
Ms Tyrrell also called on the Victorian Electoral Commission to prioritise the safety of volunteers and voters when selecting polling booth locations for pre-polling and as election day on Saturday the 28th of November.
