Two South Australian Labor MPs have alleged they were targeted by the same man in a stalking campaign, saying the behaviour made them feel unsafe while working and at home.
Education Minister Lucy Hood and Elizabeth MP Ella Shaw spoke publicly about their experiences after police arrested a 44-year-old man accused of targeting both women.
Ms Hood said the incidents involving her had begun about three years ago and had been reported to police on several occasions. She said some of the alleged behaviour occurred in front of her children.
“When you do feel personally unsafe, that rattles you,” Ms Hood said. “But, like I said, we’re really more frustrated than anything else because we love the work that we do.”
Ms Shaw said she first encountered the alleged stalker online about six months ago. She alleged that his behaviour later escalated, including an incident in which he followed her to her car after a community event.
“But the reason that I made this report is because I don’t want any young person in my electorate to ever feel the way that I was made to feel,” Ms Shaw said.
Both MPs described the alleged conduct as abhorrent and urged anyone experiencing similar behaviour to report it to police.
Police said the man had been cautioned and charged with breaching bail conditions. He is due to appear in court next month.
The MPs also expressed their sympathies to independent MP Helen Haines, who recently lost both legs following an alleged attack outside her office.
