A Senate inquiry into the controversial program comes as Anthony Albanese was forced to defend a “dirt file” his office sent out about independent MP Helen Haines.

Despite the obvious challenges, Australia’s politicians say they don’t want 24/7 security, nor to hide away.

The independent MP is in a critical condition after being struck by a four-wheel drive outside her electorate office in north-east Victoria last night.

A dispute over whether Jordon Steele-John should take leave during an investigation has deepened a rift within the Greens over allegations about his behaviour towards women.