MP Haines Lost Legs in Alleged Attack, Parliament Told

Indi MP Helen Haines lost both legs in an alleged attack outside her Wangaratta electorate office last week and remains in a serious but stable condition, federal parliament heard on Monday.

Allegra Spender, the member for Wentworth, told the chamber that Haines's husband, Phil Haines, had relayed what happened after his wife regained consciousness. According to Spender, Haines first asked whether her staff were safe and thanked the bystanders who reached her, along with doctors, nurses and first responders.

A 43-year-old man has been charged in connection with the incident, and the investigation is continuing. Spender said that while people had praised Haines's empathy and grace, she was also "a force for change", adding: "That exactly speaks to the character of who you are."

MPs wore baby's breath flowers and orange heart lapel pins during Monday's session. An orange cockatoo, which represented Haines's local campaign, was placed at her seat in the House of Representatives.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called Haines "a fighter" and said the shock was "like a stone in our hearts". He raised concern about a "very real rise in anger" in public life, pointing to social media anonymity and speed as factors feeding rage aimed at hospitality and retail workers, teachers, hospital staff, police and paramedics.

Debate over the safety of MPs and the tone of politics followed. Opposition leader Angus Taylor rejected suggestions linking parliamentary debate to political violence, arguing that the Westminster system settles differences through argument and that those who turn to intimidation or violence "cross a line that must never be crossed". He also said judges should "come down harder" on convictions involving intimidation or violence.

One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce told News24 the alleged attack was "so unAustralian" and said it was "foolish" to think that changing question time would change the country. MPs are being encouraged to sign a civility pledge this week covering honesty, respect and compassion. Speaker Milton Dick said members were thinking of Haines and praying for her recovery, and looked forward to saying, "I give the call to the member for Indi."

The chamber session concluded Monday with those remarks. The investigation into the alleged attack remains open.