Labor has described Payman's linking of a Haines-style attack to staffing allocation as outrageous. Payman has asked whether the Prime Minister is waiting for what happened to Helen Haines to happen again. Shoebridge has called for ethical Australian AI after a cyber threat warning. Lambie says Hanson has not personally apologised over a cartoon. A former Rio Tinto boss is set to lead a defence procurement watchdog, and the Farrer independent spent $1.7 million on a byelection campaign.
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.
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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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.
ACT senator David Pocock has ruled out a bid for prime minister, though he is thinking about life after politics. Speaking at the National Press Club, he called for a higher standard in parliament after the alleged attack on independent MP Helen Haines. He proposed a 25% tax on gas exports, a 5% levy on datacentres and lobbying transparency reforms. Pocock also floated a new alliance of independents and community collectives ahead of the next election.
Senator David Pocock has advocated for a 5% levy on data centres, aiming to raise $500 million by 2030. He criticised the government's focus on foreign AI companies, arguing it overlooks community concerns. Pocock proposed a coalition of independents to form a minority government, emphasising long-term, evidence-based solutions. He praised Independent MP Helen Haines, who remains in critical condition after an alleged attack. Pocock warned of Australia becoming a 'global data laundering hotspot' without stronger copyright protections.
The NSW Nationals will run candidates against independents Joe McGirr in Wagga and Helen Dalton in Murray at the 2027 state election. Wagga businessman Richard Moffatt has withdrawn from seeking preselection in Wagga, saying now is not the right time for him. He said his ambitions remain and he may consider running in another cycle. NSW Nationals state director Tory Mencshelyi said candidates are expected by December and that the party cannot take any seat for granted.
The Civics Party of Australia, co-founded by Clare Carnell and Dean Lambkin, is preparing to contest the 2028 ACT election. Dean Lambkin says the party will choose candidates for competence rather than party membership, and will focus on basics such as roads, rates and rubbish. Four or five potential candidates are in discussions, with announcements to come in batches. The party says it is seeking to govern, and would work with other parties only where values align. Its focus for now is the ACT election, though it has not ruled out contesting federal elections.
