The shocking attack this week on Helen Haines MP in her own community is an awful reminder of what’s at stake when violence takes hold. Community wellbeing is at risk. Democracy is at risk. Lives are at risk.
Our thoughts and best wishes are with Helen, her family, colleagues and community.
Acting President of the Australian Local Government Women’s Association (ALGWA) in Tasmania, Cr Melinda Reed, said it is vital that women in local government back one another in demanding respectful behaviour and in leading by example.
“We back ALGWA’s call for an urgent, national response to political violence, as we continue to advocate for respectful behaviour by councillors, candidates, our communities and the media, both in person and online,” Cr Reed said.
“Our members are being directly impacted by violent and disrespectful behaviour and we know first hand the toll it is taking, the way it is deterring women from nominating for local government and from participating fully in public life.”
Expert research for Australia’s eSafety Commissioner as well as Face Forward and other online safety initiatives, confirms that hateful online and personal abuse has escalated in recent times.
“Listening matters. Respect matters. Kindness matters. Enough is enough, and we know connection and care are critical parts of the solution,” Cr Reed said.
“We know from the work of Our Watch and other organisations, that stopping violence at the start is work we all need to do in our homes, schools, workplaces and communities. It starts with each of us and the choices we make.”
“And we know that being a member of a supportive peer network is one way to take positive action. ALGWA members work together for the public good, we support one another and lead by example.”
“We are thankful for the work being done by ALGWA alongside Women for Election, Pathways to Politics, the Australian Local Government Association, the e-Safety Commissioner, Face Forward and others to support women’s participation in public life.” Cr Reed said.
ALGWA members are heartened by the leadership shown by Governor-General of Australia, Her Excellency Sam Mostyn AC, in reinforcing that passionate and robust debate is a healthy and vital part of a modern and successful nation, that we are “disagreeing well, not fighting with one another, not descending into violence and chaos and division.”
Governor-General of Australia, Her Excellency Sam Mostyn AC, 21 October 2026:
“We don’t have to all agree, but we can wrestle the issue, not the person… And it’s important to remember, words matter, whether spoken or in written form, or increasingly in the virtual world… I hope that as Australians, we can now reflect thoughtfully on what has happened and can recommit all ourselves to the care, kindness, and respect that I know are so deeply embedded in the Australian character.”
In 2025 ALGWA Tasmania members took the ‘Lift the tone’, pledge, backing the Local Government Association of Tasmania campaign to address the increasing abuse and intimidation faced by elected representatives and council staff.
ALGWA National President, Cr Kylie Spears, has called for a serious and urgent national discussion about political violence, both physical and online, and coordinated action across all levels of government to prevent it.
20 October 2026
The Australian Local Government Women’s Association (ALGWA) has condemned yesterday’s attack on federal politician Helen Haines and called for a dramatic refocus of Australia’s political debate, together with an urgent investigation into the growing prevalence of political threats, intimidation and actual physical violence.
ALGWA National President Cr Kylie Spears said politicians at every level of government must be able
to carry out the work Australians elect them to do without fearing for their safety.“All politicians, whether they serve in federal, state or local government, need to feel safe and be safe
while doing the work Australians elect them to do,” Cr Spears said.*This is no longer confined to anonymous keyboard warriors making threats from a distance. Threats and intimidation are increasingly moving into physical violence. People are putting words into action, and that is simply unacceptable.
“Violence does not strengthen democracy, it creates fear. Democracy needs rigorous debate, but debate must remain respectful, recognise legitimate differences and acknowledge that people will hold different opinions. It must never descend into hatred, intimidation or incitement to violence.”
Cr Spears said the reported attack was part of a disturbing pattern confronting women in public life, including a recent incident in which an ALGWA member and female mayor had her car firebombed outside her home.
“As a society, we must do more than stand united and say that political violence is not democracy in Australia. We need a serious and urgent national discussion about political violence, both physical and online, and coordinated action across all levels of government to prevent it.”
ALGWA calls on governments, law-enforcement agencies, political parties, social-media platforms and community leaders to examine the causes of escalating political hostility and strengthen protections for elected representatives and candidates.
“Violence and intimidation must never become accepted features of Australian public life. Every person who serves their community deserves to do so safely,” Cr Spears said.
For media enquiries or interview:
Cr Melinda Reed
Acting President, ALGWA Tasmania
0408 554 934