Parliament resumed with independent MPs paying emotional tributes to Helen Haines, one week after an alleged attack left her losing both legs. An orange cockatoo sat on her empty seat in the lower house. Zali Steggall described Haines as the matriarch of the crossbench and praised her calm, kind approach to debate. Monique Ryan said politicians had quickly returned to partisan fighting and called for more respectful debate, digital protections and truth in political advertising.
Independent MP Zali Steggall and Liberal MP Julian Leeser have accused Opposition Leader Angus Taylor of not reading the room in his speech about Helen Haines. Taylor said the alleged attack on Haines was unfathomable, and he disagreed with any link between parliamentary debate and violence. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to Haines in parliament, calling her a fighter. Haines has been granted leave of absence until at least the end of the sitting year.
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.
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Braddon Labor MP Shane Broad has renewed his call for change within his party, urging Labor to win a majority. In a Facebook video, he said Tasmania's parliament was in chaos and being dictated to by the Greens and independents. Broad said the state needed a new direction and claimed the minority was blackmailing the government. Labor leader Josh Willie has repeatedly declined to say whether he still aims for a 30% primary vote by Christmas.
