The recent deliberate attack on independent federal MP Helen Haines in Wangaratta has prompted renewed calls for greater civility in Australian society, highlighting concerns over increasing public intolerance and violence. Haines was struck by a vehicle in what police are treating as a targeted assault, leaving her with serious physical injuries and raising alarms about the safety of elected representatives.

This incident is among the most severe attacks on serving Australian politicians in recent decades. Historically, political violence in Australia has been rare but notable for its impact. Past attacks include the shooting of Labor opposition leader Arthur Calwell in 1966 and the 1994 assassination of New South Wales Labor MP John Newman. There have also been other politically motivated violent acts, such as letter bombings in 1975 linked to the dismissal of Prime Minister Gough Whitlam and industrial unrest linked to political causes in the early 20th century.

Mike Burgess, director-general of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), attributes the tension in society not to political debate itself but to a broader erosion of respectful behavior. Speaking about the current social climate, Burgess described an atmosphere marked by rapid information consumption, quick judgment, and reflexive anger, resulting in people responding with greater disrespect and hostility in everyday interactions. He warned that such coarseness can make violence more conceivable, especially among those who hold extremist views on either side of the political spectrum.

Former Australian Federal Police commissioner Mick Keelty echoed these concerns, noting the widespread reminders to treat service workers politely as symptomatic of a larger decline in social cohesion and courtesy. He questioned how Australian society has reached a point where basic respect requires constant reinforcement.

While Burgess insists that robust political debate is essential to democracy and not the source of rising violence, he acknowledges an increase in individuals with violent tendencies. ASIO’s workload involving potential violent threats has grown considerably in the past year, with Sunni violent extremism continuing to account for a significant portion of counterterrorism efforts. Nonetheless, the agency also monitors a diverse range of grievances inspiring violence across the political landscape.

Burgess further pointed out the challenges security agencies face in detecting individuals who radicalize quickly and without apparent planning, often fueled by online hate. This trend complicates efforts to prevent attacks like the one on Haines, which have become harder to anticipate.

The attack on Haines has refocused attention on the need for all Australians to foster a more civil society and reject tolerance for violence and hate. The incident has sparked reflection on the nation’s values and how to protect democratic institutions from the corrosive effects of rage and intolerance.