A 56-year-old man has been arrested after alleged threats involving nunchucks at the electorate office of Western Australian MP Hannah Beazley in Victoria Park, Perth.
Police were called to the office on Wednesday afternoon following reports of a disturbance. The man was allegedly making verbal threats while carrying what was described as nunchucks, a weapon consisting of two sticks joined by a cord or chain.
Officers later located the man in nearby Bentley. Police said he was assisting with their inquiries, and confirmed that no one was injured.
Ms Beazley said her staff had been left shaken by the incident and that her priority was their welfare.
“This afternoon, staff within my electorate office were faced with a confronting situation when a member of the public entered the office armed with a weapon,” she said.
“Fortunately, no one was injured during the incident.”
“Everyone has the right to go about our lives free from the fear of violence, at work, at home and in the community.”
Ms Beazley is the Labor state minister for local government and the daughter of former federal Labor leader Kim Beazley.
The incident happened days after federal member for Indi Helen Haines was allegedly struck by a four-wheel-drive outside her electorate office in northern Victoria.
Police allege Brendan Nugent, 43, deliberately drove into Dr Haines on Monday afternoon. She remained in critical condition in hospital on Wednesday after both her legs were amputated.
The two incidents have intensified a nationwide debate about the security provided to politicians and other public officials facing threats to their safety.
