Helen Haines sought staff safety after Wangaratta attack

Indi MP Helen Haines asked whether her staff were safe immediately after waking from an alleged attack, federal parliament has heard. The inquiry came before she expressed gratitude to the bystanders, doctors, and first responders who aided her outside her electorate office in Wangaratta last week.

Allegra Spender, the member for Wentworth, relayed these details to the chamber on Monday. Spender noted that Phil Haines, Helen Haines's husband, shared the account. She described Haines as a force for change who demonstrated empathy and grace during the incident.

The timeline of events places the attack at Haines's office in Wangaratta. She sustained injuries resulting in the loss of both legs. A 43-year-old man was charged in connection with the incident. The investigation into the attack is ongoing.

Haines remains in serious but stable condition. Her seat in the House of Representatives was marked with an orange cockatoo, a symbol of her local campaign. MPs wore baby's breath flowers and orange heart lapel pins as a mark of respect during Monday's session.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed the chamber, describing the shock of the event as a stone in the nation's hearts. He warned against dismissing a real rise in anger in public life. Albanese cited social media anonymity and speed as factors feeding aggression directed at various frontline workers, including teachers, police, and hospital staff.

Opposition leader Angus Taylor and One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce responded to the incident. Taylor rejected calls to alter parliamentary practice to cool national debate. He 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 come down harder on those convicted of intimidation or violence.

Joyce described the alleged attack as unAustralian. He stated that parliament would not solve the problem of political tone alone and called it foolish to think 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 he looked forward to calling Haines to the floor in the future.