SA MP Receives Threatening Balloons as Police Investigate Incident at Electorate Office

The incident occurred at Stinson’s office on Marion Road, where staff arriving on Friday morning initially believed the balloons had been left as a birthday gesture.

However, the situation quickly became more concerning when the messages written on the balloons were examined more closely.

“It turned dark pretty quickly,” Stinson said, explaining that the balloons contained threats directed at her safety and her life.

According to the member for Badcoe, the balloons were left at the front of the office and in the surrounding car park area. Some reportedly contained threatening language, abusive comments, and sexist slurs.

“There were messages threatening to burn me, there were messages calling me swear words, sexist names,” Stinson said.

The situation escalated when a staff member attempted to remove the balloons and accidentally burst one of them.

“My staffer thought he was cleaning up and popped one of the balloons and got covered in powder, which of course is very frightening for someone,” Stinson said.

“Obviously at that point I told him to call the police, and the police arrived.”

Several of the balloons reportedly carried the slogan “Stop the Chop”, a phrase associated with a public campaign opposing certain government projects proposed within South Australia’s parklands.

South Australia Police confirmed that investigations are underway and noted that the incident comes amid growing concern about threats directed at people involved in public life.

Authorities said the matter is being treated seriously, particularly given a reported increase in threatening behaviour towards elected representatives, candidates, and public officials across Australia.

No injuries were reported, and inquiries remain ongoing as police work to determine who was responsible for leaving the balloons and their contents.