Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers has said overheated discourse on social media is in large part responsible for the toxicity in politics, including the threats and abuse being sprayed at politicians. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing The Guardian.

Speaking at the Political Book of the Year awards in Canberra last night, Chalmers reflected on the alleged attack against Indi MP Helen Haines last week. He said hate had always been present in Australian society but it now has "a business model, a formula, an assembly line for mass-production."

He described a new kind of digital misogyny that follows women in public life wherever they go, making the current climate harshest for women.

"That climate is no accident. Hate is monetised and weaponised by algorithmic rage-bait. Extremism is incentivised; nuance is penalised. The most available public figures are the most vulnerable," he said.

"So tonight is a little reminder of why reason and research matters, why nuance matters, what's at risk and what's at stake and why that matters too."

He contrasted the influence of books and social media: "Books inform our views without hardening them. Social media hardens our views without informing them."

Haines is recovering in hospital. Police have charged a 43-year-old man over the alleged attack outside her Wangaratta electorate office.

Chalmers' remarks come amid a broader debate about toxic discourse on social media. Speaking about the monetisation and weaponisation of hate, he noted that algorithmic systems incentivise extremism while penalising nuance.

Additionally, Chalmers stated that half of young Australians consider the US a "threat." The figure reflects growing concern in public opinion.

The issue of threats and abuse against politicians has become a pressing topic in Australia's political discourse. Chalmers suggested the problem is not limited to isolated cases but has taken on a systemic character.

According to him, hate has always existed, but it has now become a tool for mass production. This situation is particularly severe for women in public life.

Chalmers' speech took place at the Political Book of the Year awards, where he emphasised the value of reason and research, as well as the importance of balance in public debate.

Information about the attack on Haines has been confirmed by a police investigation. A 43-year-old man has been charged.