Indi MP Haines asks for staff safety after attack

Indi MP Helen Haines asked about the safety of her staff and thanked bystanders as her first actions after waking from an alleged attack last week. Federal parliament heard this account on Monday through Allegra Spender, the member for Wentworth. Spender stated that Haines’s husband, Phil Haines, provided the details to the chamber.

The incident occurred outside Haines’s electorate office in Wangaratta. A 43-year-old man has been charged in connection with the event. Haines lost both legs in the attack. She currently remains in a serious but stable condition. The investigation into the case is continuing.

Spender said Haines expressed gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and first responders who treated her. The member for Wentworth added that Haines was also a force for change. She noted that the MP’s reaction spoke to her character.

Members of parliament filled the chamber 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 described Haines as a fighter. He said the shock was like a stone in our hearts.

Albanese warned against dismissing a very real rise in anger in public life. He said social media anonymity and speed were feeding rage directed at various workers, including teachers, police, and paramedics. The debate has touched on the safety of MPs and the tone of politics.

Opposition leader Angus Taylor rejected calls to change parliamentary practice to cool the national debate. He disagreed with suggestions of a causal link between robust parliamentary debate and political violence. Taylor said the Westminster system exists to settle differences through rigorous argument. He argued that judges should come down harder on people convicted of intimidation or violence.

One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce described the alleged attack as so unAustralian. He told News24 that parliament had a part to play but would 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. Speaker Milton Dick said all members were thinking of Haines and praying for her recovery. He looked forward to the day he could say, I give the call to the member for Indi.

Spender added that people had praised Haines’s empathy and grace. She emphasized that Haines expressed gratitude to the bystanders who came to her aid. The chamber heard these details as part of Monday’s proceedings. Haines remains hospitalized while she recovers from the injuries sustained in Wangaratta.