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.
Independent MP Helen Haines lost both legs after an alleged attack in which she was reportedly rammed by a four-wheel drive outside her Wangaratta electorate office on Monday. Her husband said she is critical but stable. Governor-General Sam Mostyn called for Australians to lower the temperature in political debate, particularly towards women. Haines described attacks on women in public life as unique and pernicious. Minister for Women Katy Gallagher said threats against women in power had risen over recent years.
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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.
Independent senator David Pocock has called parliamentary question time a disgrace and urged politicians to clean up their behaviour after an attack on fellow crossbencher Helen Haines. Speaking at the National Press Club in Canberra, Senator Pocock said he was deeply shocked by conduct during his first question time and that MPs get few answers. He said robust debate should not turn into personal attacks. He also said he and his wife had made safety decisions after concerns about their previous home, and that female parliamentarians face far worse abuse.
Politicians from all sides are being urged to address the heated political climate after an alleged attack on independent MP Helen Haines. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said every side had to recognise politics had become more aggressive. A government briefing on federal funding Dr Haines had applied for drew criticism from her, after she accused the government of pork-barrelling. MPs agree on the need for a cultural shift but remain divided on how to achieve it. National MP Pat Conaghan wants Question Time scrapped entirely.
The Navy says a video recording device found in a women's shower on a naval ship was a despicable betrayal of trust. An ADF member is described as a person of interest. Independent senator Jacqui Lambie said she was not surprised by the device being found on the vessel. Senator David Shoebridge said Steele-John is entitled to fair process. Communications Minister Anika Wells is due to introduce a digital duty of care bill today.
One Nation's NSW leader, Mike Newman, was ejected from the lower house during Question Time on Wednesday after he entered the chamber uninvited. The Serjeant-at-Arms removed him. Newman said on Facebook that the government had offered his party access to the Parliamentary Budget Office but had removed him from the chamber. The government earlier said One Nation would have to submit its policy platform for review. Premier Chris Minns mocked the stunt in parliament, saying Newman had simply turned up.
Trade Minister Don Farrell says Coalition MPs walked out of a meeting on the EU trade deal. Other developments include the Reserve Bank warning that a staff pay rise will not proceed if rejected ahead of a vote. Nationals MPs brought pineapples to parliament to warn against risky imports. Coalition bid to send the trust tax bill to an inquiry failed for now.
A climate protester breached security at NSW Parliament on Tuesday, leaping from the public gallery onto the chamber floor during question time. The man, from the activist group Rising Tide, jumped the railing in an attempt to confront Premier Chris Minns. Labor backbencher David Saliba joined other colleagues in restraining him, saying he heard a large thump while everyone's backs were turned. Parliament security detained the man, and he has not been charged. The Speaker has ordered a full review of the breach and wider security measures around Parliament House.
Labor MP Anne Aly has accused Liberal-National MP Angie Bell of a racist and misogynistic statement. During question time on Tuesday, Bell said Aly and Anthony Albanese should be shamed and stoned in the square over a Australian Taxation Office decision on credit card payments for businesses. Bell was asked to withdraw the comment and did so. In an Instagram video, Aly said she had received 19 death threats on social media that week, some using similar language. Liberal frontbencher Tim Wilson said Bell did the right thing by withdrawing the remark.
A climate protester was restrained by NSW MPs after he climbed over a barrier and interrupted question time in the state parliament. Andrew Sneddon said he was protesting the state's approval of an extension to the Hunter Valley Operations coalmine. Police said he was removed from the room and issued a move-on direction, and no further action is expected. NSW Attorney General Michael Daley called the behaviour completely unacceptable.
Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young says the government should block the broadcast or live stream of a US military execution, calling it barbaric. Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce agreed, comparing it to a Roman amphitheatre and saying it should not be watched. The government was less clear on whether the stream should be banned. In Parliament, small business minister Anne Aly was questioned by the Coalition about when she learned the ATO would ban credit card payments. Aly said she found out at the same time as the public.
