Parliament hears Helen Haines asked about staff before thanking rescuers

Indi MP Helen Haines asked about her staff's safety and thanked the bystanders who aided her after waking from an alleged attack, according to details shared in federal parliament. Her husband, Phil Haines, provided the account, which was relayed by member for Wentworth Allegra Spender on Monday. Haines lost both legs in the incident that took place outside her electorate office in Wangaratta. She remains in a serious but stable condition. A 43-year-old man has been charged, and the investigation is continuing.

Spender stated that Haines expressed gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and first responders who assisted her. "That exactly speaks to the character of who you are," Spender said. She noted that while Haines is known for empathy and grace, she was also a force for change.

The chamber was filled with tributes on Monday. MPs wore baby's breath flowers and orange heart lapel pins. An orange cockatoo, a symbol of Haines's local campaign, was placed at her seat in the House of Representatives. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called Haines a fighter and described the shock as a stone in their hearts. He warned against dismissing the rise in anger in public life, attributing it to the anonymity and speed of social media. He noted that this rage is directed at workers in hospitality, retail, education, healthcare, and policing.

The incident has triggered debate regarding the safety of members of parliament and the tone of political discourse. Opposition leader Angus Taylor rejected calls to alter parliamentary practices to cool national debates. He disagreed with suggestions of a causal link between robust debate and political violence. Taylor argued that the Westminster system settles differences through rigorous argument and that intimidation crosses a line. He stated that Labor was right to address far-right extremism but that all extremism should be rejected. He advocated for judges to impose harsher penalties for intimidation and violence and called for greater celebration of the nation.

One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce told News24 that his thoughts were with Haines and her family. He described the alleged attack as unAustralian. Joyce said parliament plays a part in the issue but will not solve it alone. He called it foolish to believe that changing question time would alter the country.

Lawmakers 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 thinking of Haines and praying for her recovery. He expressed hope for the day he can call the member for Indi to the floor.

The next step involves the ongoing investigation into the 43-year-old man charged in the incident. Parliament continues to observe the civility pledge while monitoring the recovery of the MP who lost both legs in the alleged attack.