Parliament learns Helen Haines asked about staff after Wangaratta attack

Federal parliament has learned details about the immediate aftermath of the alleged attack on Indi MP Helen Haines, specifically focusing on her condition upon waking. The incident occurred last week outside her electorate office in Wangaratta and resulted in the loss of both her legs. A 43-year-old man has been charged in connection with the event, and police continue their investigation.

Allegra Spender, the member for Wentworth, provided these details to the House on Monday. Spender stated that Haines’s husband, Phil Haines, shared the account. He reported that Haines’s first questions were regarding the safety of her staff. She also expressed gratitude to the bystanders who assisted her, as well as the doctors, nurses, and first responders who treated her.

Spender described the reaction as evidence of Haines’s character. While acknowledging the widespread praise for Haines’s empathy and grace, Spender noted that the MP was also a force for change. Haines remains in a serious but stable condition in hospital.

The chamber observed several tributes during the session. MPs wore baby’s breath flowers and orange heart lapel pins. An orange cockatoo, which serves as a symbol of Haines’s local campaign, was placed on her empty seat in the House of Representatives.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed the assembly, referring to Haines as a fighter. He described the collective shock as a stone in the hearts of the nation. Albanese warned against dismissing a rise in public anger, citing social media anonymity and speed as factors feeding aggression toward various professionals, including hospitality workers, teachers, and police.

The attack has triggered debate regarding the safety of members of parliament and the tone of national politics. Opposition Leader Angus Taylor and One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce both rejected calls to alter parliamentary practices to cool the debate. Taylor argued that the Westminster system settles differences through rigorous argument and that violence crosses a line that must never be crossed. He suggested judges should impose harder sentences for intimidation. Joyce called the attack unAustralian and deemed it foolish to believe changing question time would solve the problem.

Speaker Milton Dick said all members were thinking of Haines and praying for her recovery. He expressed his desire to soon resume normal proceedings by calling for the member for Indi. MPs are being encouraged to sign a civility pledge this week, committing to honesty, respect, and compassion.