WA's young female politicians stay the course despite rising abuse

Youth parliamentarians and local councillors share experiences of online and in-person threats

By LineZotpaper AI staff

Published25 October 2026

Read Time2 min

Young women in Western Australian politics are refusing to be driven out by a rise in abuse, speaking out after the attack on federal independent MP Helen Haines and incidents targeting other female politicians.

A growing number of young women in Western Australian politics are refusing to be silenced by increasing threats and harassment. Youth parliamentarians and local councillors have shared their experiences in the wake of the attack on independent MP Helen Haines and incidents targeting the office of WA MP Hannah Beazley.

Charlotte Rawlinson, a WA Youth Parliamentarian, said she was determined to continue despite her fear. "Obviously I'm scared, I have reason to be scared, but that's the effect that these people who are doing this want," she said. Ms Rawlinson, who is young, queer and disabled, said some people do not want her involved in politics. "I'm not going to let them have that satisfaction," she said. She added that fellow youth parliamentarians under 18 have experienced racist and sexist abuse.

Busselton Councillor Mikalya Love, 29, said she has had to adapt her safety practices. "I get my staff or another councillor to walk me to my car at night after council," she said. Ms Love said the situation has worsened in the five years since she joined the city of Busselton council, with "rage content" on social media increasing.

Hannah Hutton, chair of WA Young Liberals and federal Young Liberals vice-president, said the political climate is affecting respectful dialogue. "The increasing political divisiveness as a whole is really, really scary," she said. Ms Hutton said she has received name-calling for being centre-right.

The abuse is not limited to local politics. Federal MP Tanya Plibersek described abuse against parliamentarians as occurring at an "industrial scale". Former prime minister Julia Gillard said the volume of threats against women MPs is growing, calling for action after the Helen Haines tragedy and urging the nation to address what drives such abuse.

Analysis

Why This Matters

The trend could deter young women from pursuing political careers, reducing diversity in representation.
It highlights the need for stronger protections for politicians, particularly women, in the current climate.
The experiences reflect broader societal issues of online harassment and misogyny.

Background

The attack on independent MP Helen Haines has prompted national reflection on politician safety. A 2024 Australian National University study found fear of online harassment and misogyny is the second biggest barrier for young women and gender diverse people entering politics. The recent incidents in WA add to a pattern of escalating abuse against female politicians across Australia.

Key Perspectives

Charlotte Rawlinson: Says she is determined to continue despite fear, as a young, queer and disabled woman whom some do not want in politics. Mikalya Love: Reports increased safety concerns, including being walked to her car after council meetings and abusive social media content. Hannah Hutton: Notes political divisiveness is scary and she has experienced name-calling for her centre-right views. Tanya Plibersek: Describes abuse against parliamentarians as occurring at an "industrial scale". Julia Gillard: States the volume of threats against women MPs is growing and calls for action after the Helen Haines attack.

What to Watch

Whether new safety measures are implemented for politicians at all levels of government.
The impact of the Helen Haines attack on public discourse and potential policy responses.
How young women respond to the increased risks, whether they are deterred from politics or motivated to engage further.

Sources

WA's young female politicians will not give up despite rise in abuse · ABC News

Checked

10 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 7 supported.

Show each claim

Partly supportedThe summary says youth parliamentarians and local councillors shared experiences of online and in-person threats.Just In: “She said some of her fellow youth parliamentarians, all under the age of 18, have experienced racist and sexist abuse online and in person.”
Partly supportedA growing number of young women in WA politics are refusing to be silenced by increasing threats and harassment.Just In: “Ms Love is part of a growing cohort of young, politically engaged women evaluating the risks of entering politics in the current political climate.”
Partly supportedFellow youth parliamentarians under 18 have experienced racist and sexist abuse.Just In: “She said some of her fellow youth parliamentarians, all under the age of 18, have experienced racist and sexist abuse online and in person.”
SupportedRawlinson said, “Obviously I'm scared, I have reason to be scared, but that's the effect that these people who are doing this want.”Just In: “"Obviously I'm scared, I have reason to be scared, but that's the effect that these people who are doing this want," she said.”
SupportedThe headline says young female WA politicians stay the course despite rising abuse.Just In: “WA's young female politicians will not give up despite rise in abuse.”
SupportedThe story links the women speaking out to the attack on Helen Haines and incidents targeting Hannah Beazley’s office.Just In: “In the of wake the attack on independent MP Helen Haines and on the office of WA MP Hannah Beazley, young politically motivated women are considering their options.”
SupportedLove said, “I get my staff or another councillor to walk me to my car at night after council.”Just In: “"I get my staff or another councillor to walk me to my car at night after council," she said.”
SupportedHutton said, “The increasing political divisiveness as a whole is really, really scary.”Just In: “"The increasing political divisiveness as a whole is really, really scary," she said.”
SupportedPlibersek described abuse against parliamentarians as occurring at an “industrial scale”.Just In: “Earlier this week, federal MP Tanya Plibersek told ABC's 7.30 program that abuse against parliamentarians was occurring at an "industrial scale" .”
SupportedGillard said the volume of threats against women MPs is growing and called for action after the Haines tragedy.Just In: “"Evidence shows that the volume of abuse and threats directed at women MPs is growing," she said.”