If Pauline Hanson can wise up, surely everyone else can too
This article discusses the rising trend of violence and intimidation directed at Australian politicians and public figures. The author argues that society is descending into a dangerous era of disrespect and warns that dismissing these incidents as the work of mentally ill individuals ignores a deeper systemic problem.
Why it matters
It highlights a growing threat to democratic stability and the safety of public officials in Australia.
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Share A A A You’ve heard many tributes to Helen Haines . You’re about to hear many more. Don’t be fooled. Australia is on the brink of missing the moment. If so, nothing significant will change. We’d not be returning to business as usual. We’d be descending into violence as foretold.
Some of the specifics of the attack on her may allow an easy excuse for inaction. The alleged assailant apparently had a history of mental illness. You can already hear the argument for a fatalistic complacency: “Ah, so he’s some random madman, it’s not politically motivated after all.”
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