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.
MPs paid tribute to Indi MP Helen Haines in parliament on Monday after an alleged attack outside her Wangaratta office. Allegra Spender said Haines's first concerns after waking were for her staff, and thanked first responders, nurses and bystanders. Haines is in a serious but stable condition after the attack, which led to the loss of both legs. A 43-year-old man has been charged, and the incident remains under investigation. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese warned of rising anger in public life, and Haines has been granted leave until 26 November.
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.
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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.
The condition of Indi MP Helen Haines has improved from critical to serious but stable, the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne said on Saturday. Ms Haines was struck by a vehicle outside her electorate office in Wangaratta on Monday. Police allege the incident was a deliberate attack by 43-year-old Brendan Nugent, who faces multiple charges. Ms Haines lost both legs, and her husband Phil Haines said he was grateful her heart and mind were in good shape. Save the Children Australia said more than $1 million had been donated in her honour.
Independent MP Helen Haines remains in a critical condition after she was struck by a vehicle outside her electorate office in Wangaratta on Monday afternoon. Politicians, health bodies and community groups have expressed shock and support. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has spoken with her husband, Phil. Dr Haines had surgery and was airlifted to Melbourne. A man is in custody and police say the motive is unclear. Victoria Police is leading the investigation, supported by the Joint Counter Terrorism Team.
South African rugby union player Hyron Andrews has died in France on the eve of a European Champions Cup match between his team, the Lions, and La Rochelle. Prosecutors said he was found in a locked hotel shower cubicle on Friday morning. An investigation into the cause of death has been opened and an autopsy will be carried out. SA Rugby said Andrews died after a fall. The Lions said they will play as planned in his honour, and La Rochelle will hold a moment of homage before kick-off.
Tributes have poured in from game developers following the death of Richard Gray, a level designer known as Levelord. Gray worked on shooter games such as Duke Nukem 3D and Sin, and later moved to casual games like the Luxor series after Ritual Entertainment was acquired by MumboJumbo. Scott Miller of 3D Realms called him a stellar talent and a hard-working teammate. Cliff Bleszinski praised the sense of place his levels created, while Frederik Schreiber of Slipgate Ironworks described him as one of the kindest people he had met in the games industry.
A 35-year-old woman from Christie Downs has been charged with aggravated causing death and harm by dangerous driving after a fatal collision in Moana. The crash on September 22 claimed the life of her 11-year-old daughter, Delilah Peterson, who died at the scene. The mother was granted bail and will appear in court next month. The other driver, a 37-year-old man from Seaford Meadows, sustained minor injuries. Delilah's death has sparked an outpouring of grief, with tributes describing her as a bright and beloved young girl.
Adelaide broadcaster Peter Godfrey has died at the age of 75, with colleagues and listeners from Five AA and Radio Adelaide sharing tributes. Godfrey began his broadcasting career at Radio Adelaide as a breakfast announcer. At the end of 2010 he moved to Five AA, where he took on the overnight presenting role. The Wire's Thomas Koutis reported on the tributes, which have continued to arrive from those who worked with him and listened to his programs.
A 31-year-old man has been arrested over the alleged killing of 21-year-old Jayda Allen Bonner at a Carlton apartment complex. Tributes have been left at the site, with a smoking ceremony and protest planned. A fundraiser for funeral expenses has raised over $7,000 in 24 hours. Police say the suspect was known to the victim and is being interviewed by Homicide Squad detectives.
A 31-year-old man has been arrested over the alleged killing of 21-year-old Jayda Allen Bonner at a Carlton apartment complex. Tributes have been left at the site, with a smoking ceremony and protest planned. A fundraiser for funeral expenses has raised over $7,000 in 24 hours. Police say the suspect was known to the victim and is being interviewed by Homicide Squad detectives.
RJ Mitte, who played Walter White's son in the television drama Breaking Bad, has died at the age of 34, according to a statement from his representative. He died on Monday in Brownsville, Texas. A publicist later confirmed news reports that he took his own life. Mitte joined the AMC series in 2008 as a teenager, a role that brought lead actor Bryan Cranston global recognition. Cranston paid tribute on social media, saying he was in deep despair and would miss him.
Police allege a 13-year-old boy fatally stabbed 36-year-old Joshua James Smith near Westfield Mt Druitt on Friday night. Smith had stopped to speak with a group of young people he knew when another group took offence, police said. The 13-year-old was charged with murder, and a 16-year-old boy was charged with accessory after the fact to murder. Friends and family have paid tribute to Smith, a father of three, and his children are being supported through a GoFundMe campaign. Police say more arrests are expected.
The family of Daniel Evian, 32, has described him as having a heart of gold after he died in hospital following an alleged stabbing at a home on Barcelona Street in Wishart, Brisbane, around 4am on Saturday. A Cornubia man, Robert Keith Hickson, 32, was arrested, and his charge has since been upgraded to murder. In a fundraiser aimed at giving Mr Evian a deserving farewell, his sister Jasmin Evian said he was a hard worker who was always willing to help others.
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Former Liberal politician Bruce Baird has been farewelled at a service in Sydney, following his sudden death aged 84. Mourners from across the political spectrum gathered at St Andrew's Cathedral, including former prime ministers Scott Morrison and John Howard. Tributes described Baird as fun and generous. His children spoke of his love for people and his courage in speaking up for refugee rights, a cause that included visits to detention centres. Howard described him as a personal friend who argued his position with integrity.
Mike Ditka, the former Chicago Bears head coach and Pro Football Hall of Fame tight end, has died at the age of 86. His family announced the death through Walter Payton's son, Jarrett, on Friday. Ditka spent 12 seasons as a player, earning five Pro Bowl selections, and 11 seasons as Bears coach, winning 106 games. He led the 1985 team to a Super Bowl title. No cause of death was announced. Fellow figures in the football and media world, including Jay Glazer and Mike Greenberg, have paid tribute to him.
Adelaide man Aidan Alchin, 23, died after his motorcycle collided with two sedans on Gorge Rd at Paracombe on Monday. Both drivers escaped injury. His fiancée Hayley Sutter was due to marry him on December 12. Family members say he helped friends who were struggling, paying for food, clothes and expenses. Relatives also described years of bullying linked to his childhood surgeries, and a 2021 car crash that left him with spinal injuries before he recovered and qualified as a locksmith.
Indigenous leaders across Australia are paying tribute to Arnhem Land elders Mr and Mrs T and C Yumbulul, who died days apart last month. Family member Marina DeJurnett described them as once in a lifetime people. Mrs Yumbulul moved from Italy to Adelaide as a child, later settling on Elcho Island, where she married Mr Yumbulul in 1982. Mr Yumbulul was a renowned artist whose work features in galleries worldwide. He sued the Reserve Bank of Australia over the unauthorised use of his art on a plastic banknote, and his case set a legal precedent for Aboriginal art.
Richard Morecroft, a veteran ABC news presenter, has died at the age of 70 after being diagnosed with cancer earlier this year. He presented the ABC’s 7pm news bulletin for nearly 20 years and later hosted SBS’s Letters and Numbers. Morecroft was remembered as a trusted presence in Australian households and a passionate environmental advocate. Tributes have poured in from colleagues and public figures, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who described him as a beloved part of Australian life.
