NSW Parliament Security Briefing Leaves MPs Feeling Vulnerable

A security briefing intended to reassure New South Wales MPs about their safety in parliament has left some politicians feeling even more vulnerable. The meeting, which followed a recent attack on a federal independent MP, was criticized by several MPs for not providing adequate answers or solutions.

Inadequate Answers

Liberal MP Alister Henskens described the briefing as a "box-ticking exercise" that failed to address the concerns of MPs. "There was a high degree of anxiety following the briefing," he said. "In fact, some of the MPs were in tears because the answers were so inadequate."

The briefing was prompted by a recent incident in which an anti-coal protester jumped over the barrier of the public gallery and onto the floor of parliament. MPs were told that the response to the incident was slow, and that security personnel did not have a clear picture of what had happened in the chamber.

Security Measures Criticized

Several MPs, who asked not to be named, agreed with Mr. Henskens's assessment that the briefing was inadequate. "The elephant in the room wasn't addressed," one MP said. "They weren't taking it very seriously." Another MP described the briefing as a "box-ticking exercise".

MPs also raised concerns about a recent incident in which a fire alarm prompted the evacuation of parliament, and about the ease with which people were able to re-enter the building without security checks.

Threats Against MPs

The briefing also heard about recent threats against MPs, including an online death threat against Nationals MP Nichole Overall and a break-in at the apartment of Animal Justice Party MP Emma Hurst. Ms. Hurst told parliament that she had also received online threats suggesting she could be assassinated.

Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon told MPs that they would be offered practical security advice, and that local area commanders would provide additional protection to them if required. "We take very prompt action. We take every threat seriously," he said.

Premier Condemns Abusive Threats

Premier Chris Minns condemned abusive threats against MPs, describing some individuals who made them as "scum" and "pigs". He said that female parliamentary colleagues were repeatedly targeted by such individuals.

Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane, who has also been subjected to online threats, said that it had changed the way she worked. "I can't advertise my location anymore and it's a real shame," she said. However, she vowed not to let threats stop her engaging with the community.