Melbourne Lord Mayor Nick Reece has voiced deep concern about the escalating temperature of political discourse in Australia, following the attack on Indi independent MP Helen Haines.
Reece described the current climate as "disgusting, dark times", warning that hostility directed at elected representatives is reaching a troubling level. The Lord Mayor's comments reflect growing unease among public figures about the safety and wellbeing of politicians across the country.
The attack on Haines has prompted renewed calls for reflection on the state of political debate and the treatment of those in public life. Reece indicated the incident weighed on him personally, underscoring broader anxiety about where political tensions in Australia may be heading.
