MP Haines lost both legs in attack

Federal parliament heard on Monday that Helen Haines, the member for Indi, woke from an alleged attack to ask about her staff and thank bystanders. Allegra Spender, the member for Wentworth, relayed these details to the chamber. She stated that Haines’s husband, Phil Haines, had shared the information with her prior to the session.

Spender said Haines expressed gratitude to the people who helped her outside her electorate office in Wangaratta. She also thanked doctors, nurses, and first responders. Haines remains in serious but stable condition. She lost both legs in the incident. A 43-year-old man has been charged with the attack. Police continue to investigate the case.

Spender described the reaction as evidence of Haines’s character. She noted that while many praised Haines’s empathy, she was also a force for change. "That exactly speaks to the character of who you are," Spender told the chamber. She added that Haines was a force for change beyond her compassionate nature.

Members of parliament filled the chamber with tributes on Monday. Many wore baby's breath flowers and orange heart lapel pins. An orange cockatoo, a symbol of Haines's local campaign, sat on her seat in the House of Representatives. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called Haines a fighter. He described the shock of the news as a stone in the hearts of the nation.

Albanese warned against dismissing the rise in anger in public life. He said social media anonymity and speed were feeding rage directed at workers in hospitality, retail, education, healthcare, and emergency services. The incident has sparked debate over the safety of parliamentarians and the tone of political discourse.

Opposition leader Angus Taylor rejected calls to change parliamentary practice to cool the national debate. He disagreed with the idea that robust debate causes political violence. Taylor said the Westminster system settles differences through rigorous argument. He argued that judges should come down harder on people convicted of intimidation or violence.

One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce called the alleged attack unAustralian. He told News24 that parliament has a part to play but will not solve the problem alone. He called it foolish to think that changing question time would change the country. MPs are being encouraged to sign a civility pledge this week. The pledge commits members to honesty, respect, and compassion. Speaker Milton Dick said all members are praying for Haines’s recovery.