Both legs lost: The Wangaratta attack that left an MP asking about her team
Parliament heard details Monday about Helen Haines's immediate reaction after the incident, including her concern for staff before medical gratitude.
By Grace Anderson ·
The first words spoken by Helen Haines after waking from her alleged attack last week were not about her own injuries. They were questions about the safety of her staff and expressions of gratitude to the bystanders who rushed to her aid outside her electorate office in Wangaratta.
Allegra Spender, the member for Wentworth, relayed these details to the federal chamber on Monday. She stated that Haines's husband, Phil Haines, shared the account of her first moments of consciousness. Spender noted that Haines directed thanks toward the doctors, nurses, and first responders who treated her.
The physical toll of the incident remains severe. Haines has lost both legs in the attack. She is currently hospitalized in serious but stable condition. A 43-year-old man has been charged in connection with the incident, and authorities continue their investigation.
"That exactly speaks to the character of who you are," Spender said of Haines. She described the member for Indi as a force for change, noting that the chamber recognized her empathy and grace during the tributes.
The House of Representatives marked the occasion with visible symbols of support. Members wore baby's breath flowers and orange heart lapel pins. An orange cockatoo, a staple of Haines's local campaign, sat at her empty seat. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese referred to Haines as a fighter. He described the national shock as a stone in their hearts and warned against ignoring a real rise in public anger fueled by social media anonymity.
Debate followed on the safety of politicians. Opposition leader Angus Taylor rejected ideas that parliamentary practice caused the violence. He argued that the Westminster system relies on rigorous argument and that violence crosses a line that must never be crossed. One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce called the attack unAustralian and suggested that changing question time would not solve the country's problems. MPs are now being encouraged to sign a civility pledge committing to honesty and respect.
Speaker Milton Dick told the chamber that all members were praying for Haines's recovery. He said he looked forward to the day he could once again give the call to the member for Indi.
Source: The Guardian
