Australian parliamentary staff face burnout from online abuse

Independent and minor party Members of Parliament in Australia report that staff members are facing severe burnout due to a surge in online hate, threats, and verbal abuse. The influx of vitriol has forced some offices to disable phone lines, instruct staff to avoid reviewing constituent emails, and send employees home to recover from the emotional impact.

Several MPs, including Mehreen Faruqi, Nicolette Boele, Sophie Scamps, and Fatima Payman, have been identified as experiencing these issues. Senator Faruqi noted that the volume of hate calls and messages hinders the ability to provide constituent assistance. Senator Payman reported that staff members have required mental health days following exposure to distressing content, such as graphic images sent via email.

Following a recent attack on Helen Haines, the Australian Federal Police has increased monitoring. Commissioner Krissy Barrett confirmed that the force is currently charging one individual per week in relation to threats against politicians.