Safety of candidates and elected representatives

The petition of the undersigned residents of Tasmania draws to the attention of the House:

Safety Risks Facing Women candidates and representatives

The physical attack on federal MP Dr Helen Haines outside her electorate office underscores the safety risks facing elected representatives and candidates, especially women. These safety risks threaten the public participation of women and threaten democratic integrity in Tasmania.

Risks from Physical Address Disclosures

Tasmanian election laws require candidates to publish street addresses on campaign materials, creating direct safety and privacy risks for all candidates and their families. This is also a barrier to participation and ensuring a diversity of views in our democracy.

Need for Safety Guidance, Training and Support

Candidates, elected representatives and their supporters, currently do not have sufficient ways to seek guidance, training and support relating to their physical safety, threats or escalation of matters.

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House call on the Government to:

a) Explore amending Tasmanian electoral laws to remove compulsory street address disclosures and allowing alternatives like PO Boxes, digital addresses or other means.

b) Direct the Tasmanian Electoral Commission and Tasmania Police to jointly provide safety guidance, training and support for election candidates.

c) Collaborate across jurisdictions to establish consistent candidate and elected representative protections nationwide, for all levels of government.