Haines asked for staff safety after losing both legs

Helen Haines opened her eyes to ask if her staff were safe, federal parliament heard on Monday. The Indi MP lost both legs in an alleged attack outside her office in Wangaratta last week. She remained in serious but stable condition.

Allegra Spender, the member for Wentworth, shared details from Haines' husband, Phil Haines. She said the MP expressed gratitude to bystanders, doctors, nurses, and first responders who assisted her. Spender noted that Haines checked on her team before thanking the rescuers.

"That exactly speaks to the character of who you are," Spender said. She described Haines as a force for change and praised her empathy and grace.

A 43-year-old man has been charged in connection with the incident. Police continue their investigation. The attack has sparked debate over the safety of elected officials and the tone of public discourse.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called Haines a fighter. He said the shock felt like a stone in their hearts. He warned against dismissing a real rise in anger in public life. He said social media anonymity and speed were feeding aggression directed at workers, teachers, hospital staff, police, and paramedics.

Opposition leader Angus Taylor rejected calls to change parliamentary practice. He 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 called the attack un-Australian. He said changing question time would not solve the country's problems alone.

An orange cockatoo, a symbol of Haines' local campaign, sat at her seat in the House of Representatives. MPs wore baby's breath flowers and orange heart pins. Speaker Milton Dick said members were praying for her recovery. He looked forward to the day he could give the call to the member for Indi.