Ex-cops join election security flying squad in major crackdown
Almost 50 people have been recruited by the Victorian Electoral Commission to patrol polling booths from the start of early voting.
The commission’s move is part of a security overhaul partially conducted because of the growing political tensions Australia-wide.
Leading political figures and senior police have called for a more moderate approach following federal MP Helen Haines being severely injured after she was struck by a car outside her Wangaratta office. Local man Brendan Nugent has been charged with dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury and causing harm to a Commonwealth public official.
On Tuesday, political leaders condemned the alleged violent attack on a One Nation volunteer who had confronted a teenager who was allegedly damaging a corflute outside his home in Torquay. Late last month, the husband of a Liberal candidate was also allegedly assaulted after approaching a man who was removing campaign signage.
The VEC is also implementing a cybersecurity strategy to thwart potential organised interference and privacy breaches, as well as looking for online election sabotage material.
