NSW Mayor fears for safety after online threats, following MP attack

“I’ve had people [disclose online] where I usually run, joking that they would get chloroform out, and really making me feel unsafe as a woman,” Ring stated.

Data from the Office of Local Government reveals that women are significantly underrepresented in New South Wales councils, with only 41 out of 128 mayors being women.

The situation has spurred calls for increased protections for elected officials following a recent incident where federal MP Helen Haines was struck by a vehicle outside her electorate office. Haines remains in serious but stable condition at The Alfred hospital in Melbourne, having undergone two leg amputations.

Ring explained that the threats have forced her to alter her lifestyle, a reality she finds disheartening. “It was the police that kind of gave me the reality check of what I needed to do,” she said. She expressed concern that the online threats could escalate to real-world violence, noting that many residents in her community of approximately 30,000 people know her address.

NSW Police confirmed they investigate all threats of violence and can involve the Security Investigation Unit, part of Counter Terrorism Command, when heightened threats are detected.

Similar concerns have been raised by Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams, who, along with a family member, was granted an apprehended violence order against a community member. Williams emphasized the need for a boundary between politics and decency, particularly after experiencing abusive online cartoons depicting sexually explicit acts.

AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett recently stated that political rhetoric is contributing to the rise in threats and abuse directed at parliamentarians, particularly women, who often face “very often sexual violence threats.”

Local Government NSW president Darcy Byrne has requested support from Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig to address safety risks for councillors, advocating for measures like enhanced protections at polling booths and increased police powers. Byrne stressed the importance of allowing local representatives to serve their communities without fear.

A spokesperson for Minister Hoenig condemned aggressive behavior towards councillors and affirmed the importance of respecting elected officials, encouraging reporting of any threats to the police and councils.