Man Charged After Threatening Hannah Beazley With Nunchucks

A 56‑year‑old man entered Hannah Beazley’s electorate office in suburban Perth on Wednesday, brandishing a pair of nunchucks and demanding to see the minister—she was not present at the time. The suspect was detained and charged with being armed in a way that may cause fear and with threatening to perform an unlawful act.

The incident comes a day after a separate attack on federal lawmaker Helen Haines, who was struck repeatedly by a car in Victoria and had both legs amputated. Police say the two cases are unrelated, and the suspect has no connection to the driver who hit Haines.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the timing "just heartbreaking," adding that the threat to Beazley followed the violence that left Haines in critical condition. "We cannot tolerate this kind of aggression," he said to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Security officials briefed the country’s women lawmakers earlier in the week, noting a rise in misogynistic threats. "The normalization of aggressive behaviour is alarming," said a senior security officer, citing rising online abuse.

Governor‑General Sam Mostyn echoed the concerns, describing the attacks as a "unique and pernicious form" of gender‑based assault. She urged the public to support stronger protective measures for elected women.

The suspect will appear before the Perth Magistrates Court Thursday, where a preliminary hearing is expected to set the next steps in his prosecution.