Labor MP Questions Social Media Value After Online Threats
702 ABC Sydney
Topic: Government and Politics
Friday, 7 August 2026, at 2:59 pm
Liesl Tesch says she has received online threats before.
In short:
A Labor MP questions social media's value after a man threatened her online.
Half of women in office consider quitting due to online abuse.
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon says proving intent to harm is necessary for most online abuse cases.
A man was charged with threatening NSW Labor MP Liesl Tesch, who has been abused before.
A 43-year-old man was charged with using a carriage service to threaten Ms Tesch.
He was released on bail and will appear in court in September.
Ms Tesch told 702 ABC Sydney that the incident made her question social media's value.
She said online abuse is part of life for public figures.
Women in public life, especially female journalists, are often targeted.
Recent research highlights the problem.
A report found 90% of women in office have experienced online abuse or intimidation.
Licia Heath says social media companies must be held accountable.
Half of the women surveyed considered not running for office again due to online abuse.
Licia Heath said women often don't report abuse because they fear it will be used against them.
Ms Heath wants to change the rules to protect councillors who must publish their addresses.
She said online threats can lead to physical harm.
Cumberland Mayor Ola Hamed's car was set on fire due to her position.
Ms Hamed is often targeted with abuse citing her gender and faith.
Women councillors have been threatened with violence.
This is a cultural issue that needs to change.
NSW Police are investigating the incident.
There has been a rise in anonymous comments.
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said people use fake identities to make threats.
Most offences require proving intent to harm.
Some Commonwealth offences involve inciting people to harass or offend online.
Get ABC Sydney updates in your inbox.
See more ABC coverage in your search results.
Top Stories
Federal Government
Consumer Protection
Prostate Cancer
Racism
LIVE
Related stories
Crime
State and Territory Government
Related topics
Gosford
Government and Politics
Local Government
Police
Tascott
Woy Woy
Top Stories
Federal Government
Consumer Protection
Prostate Cancer
Racism
LIVE
Just In
Crime
Friday, 7 August 2026, at 6:55 pm
Explainer
Friday, 7 August 2026, at 6:25 pm
LIVE
Friday, 7 August 2026, at 8:04 pm
Urban Development and Planning
Friday, 7 August 2026, at 6:16 pm