If it’s an attack on Labor, the push back will keep Labor in power for the indefinite future and marginalize any conservative opposition. That is even if the “lone nut” turns out to be an Eco freak. It also might harm the Tea Party here or, at least, be used against conservatives.
Maybe. You can never predict the political winds.
What would hurt the Tea Party movement in America is if, God forbid, someone from the movement committed an act of violence against someone for political or religious motivations.
That would get the Tea Party pegged as the “New KKK”, and would pretty much be the kiss of death for the movement.