‘On the verge of breakdown’: MPs’ staff burnt out from online hate
Australian federal politicians and their staff are facing an unprecedented surge in online abuse, threats, and harassment. The intensity of this vitriol has forced offices to limit communication channels and seek additional mental health support for employees.
Why it matters
The safety of political staff is critical to the functioning of democracy, as intimidation tactics threaten to silence public discourse and hinder constituent representation.
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Share A A A Independent and minor party MPs say their staff are being inundated with threats and abuse being sent to their offices, with some resorting to private fundraising to employ enough advisers to share the significant workload.
Politicians have been forced to turn off their office’s phone lines, order staff not to review constituent emails, and send their employees home to recuperate, amid a deluge of vitriol.
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