Federal parliament suspended normal business on Monday to pay tribute to independent MP Helen Haines after a man allegedly hit her with his car in a targeted attack in Wangaratta. Police say the attack left her with severe injuries, and both of her legs were later amputated. MPs across parties praised her calm, kindness and commitment to civility in politics. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the country must find a better way to argue, while others called for a conversation about regional mental health services.
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.
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.
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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 ACT senator David Pocock has described Helen Haines as the MP many wish they had. Speaking at the National Press Club in Canberra, he said working with her was one of the great privileges of serving in parliament. Pocock told Haines that she improves politics in Australia. He said he found it unfathomable that anyone would deliberately hurt her.
Fellow politicians have praised independent MP Helen Haines as compassionate and determined. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said she represents the best of Australia's political representatives. He spoke after a shock attack outside her office. Haines has represented the Indi community since 2019. Before becoming a politician, she worked as a nurse and midwife in Victoria's rural health system, and she has been a key figure in creating the National Anti-Corruption Commission.
