Calls for a civility pledge have grown after an alleged vehicle attack on independent MP Helen Haines, who lost both legs. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said more needed to be done to lower the temperature of political debate. The pledge, led by Compassion in Politics Australia, asks signatories to act with honesty, respect and compassion. A similar pledge was introduced in the United Kingdom after the murder of MP Jo Cox in 2016. Supporters say a more civil culture could help protect politicians and restore public trust in politics.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has led tributes in parliament to independent MP Helen Haines, who was allegedly struck by a four-wheel drive outside her electorate office in Wangaratta on October 19. Dr Haines has had both legs amputated but is in a stable condition. Albanese praised her inner strength and the bystanders and medical staff who helped her. Independent MPs plan to sign a civility pledge in her honour. A fundraiser set up by her family for Save the Children had passed $1.2 million by Sunday.
Pauline Hanson says her Please Explain cartoons will stay on air, rejecting calls to pull them as federal MPs prepared to honour independent MP Helen Haines after an attack on her. Hanson accused Labor and the Coalition of using the tragedy to silence critics, arguing free speech and satire must be protected. The cartoons have drawn criticism for repeatedly labelling Liberal MP Andrew Hastie a traitor and mocking Senator Jacqui Lambie's health. Separately, donations to Save the Children in Dr Haines's honour have passed $919,000, and some MPs are signing a voluntary civility pledge.
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Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek has said an attack on Indi MP Helen Haines should not deter young women from pursuing careers in politics. Raising the issue during Question Time, she addressed concerns about violence directed at women and public officials. Plibersek argued that women in public life cannot step aside and leave the field to those who would intimidate them. The remarks came during a day of rolling coverage, which included a list of key events and a filterable feed of posts.
Parliament returns this week without independent MP Helen Haines, who was struck by a car outside her Wangaratta office. Police are treating the incident as a deliberate attack, and both her legs have since been amputated. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is expected to move a motion allowing MPs to offer messages of support. Security has been increased across public areas of Parliament House, and MPs have backed calls for a civility pledge.
Independent MP Helen Haines was the victim of an attack this week, widely described as shocking but unsurprising. Security agencies have briefed MPs on safety risks. Governor-General Sam Mostyn urged politicians to disagree respectfully, while ASIO boss Mike Burgess has long argued that inflamed language can lead to violence. Several politicians acknowledged the need to lower the temperature of debate. Opposition Leader Angus Taylor defended vigorous argument while condemning intimidation and incitement to violence.
