The devastating alleged attack on independent MP Helen Haines has sent shock waves through Australian politics across the week.

Urgent questions about the safety of our elected representatives, and the state of political debate, are being asked. 

As Haines remains critically ill in hospital, politicians across the political spectrum are sharing their own experiences of threats, harassment and abuse, particularly against women. But how do we keep politicians safe, without shutting them off from the communities they represent?

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called for the political temperature to be turned down, while Australia's security agencies warn of a growing climate of anger, division and intolerance. So, what does turning down the temperature actually look like? And who should take responsibility for the increasingly hostile political environment?

Meanwhile, One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has apologised over a controversial cartoon mocking Jacqui Lambie's medical condition. But does the backdown signal a change in political discourse, or is there a much bigger conversation to be had about the limits of political satire?

Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly are joined by David Speers on The Party Room.

Got a burning question?

Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au

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