Three North Coast MPs have stood in federal parliament to pay emotional tribute to Dr Helen Haines, the independent MP left critically injured in an allegedly deliberate attack outside her electoral office.
The Members for Richmond, Page, and Lyne joined colleagues from across the political divide on Monday, 26 October.
Dr Haines, the Member for Indi, was struck repeatedly by a four-wheel-drive outside her electoral office in Wangaratta. She has since had both of her legs amputated. She remains in a serious but stable condition, and police are still working to determine a motive.
“Like all of us, I was deeply shocked and saddened by the horrific attack on the member for Indi outside her electorate office in Wangaratta,” said Member for Richmond Justine Elliot.
“This attack has indeed shocked and saddened Australians nationwide, including so many in my electorate in northern New South Wales.”
Mrs Elliot thanked those who rushed to help.
“I really want to acknowledge the first responders, the emergency services personnel, the medical professionals, all those members of the public who came to her assistance and those who continue to care for Helen,” she said.
She described Dr Haines as a woman who always wanted to make a real difference.
“Helen is such a kind, decent, hardworking and intelligent woman,” she said.
Mrs Elliot said the attack was a shocking reminder of rising anger and violence in the community. She said social media had a major role to play.
“The platforms really need to turn the temperature down,” she said.
“Of course we all accept disagreements, criticism and debate as part of our vibrant democracy, but we never, ever accept violence.”
Member for Lyne Alison Penfold said the attack should never have happened.
“We’re speaking today about a colleague who should be here in this chamber doing her job,” said Ms Penfold.
“Instead, Dr Helen Haines is in hospital with injuries that have changed her life forever.”
Ms Penfold said she had seen plenty of parliamentary behaviour over the years.
“I’ve been around this parliament since the mid-1990s, and I’ve seen the very best and the very worst of parliamentary behaviour,” she said.
“When it comes to Helen, I can absolutely say that she has been a shining example of the behaviour that we should all aspire to.”
She said the best tribute was for parliament to follow that example.
“I believe the greatest tribute we can pay Helen now is for this parliament to walk in her footsteps, to listen to one another and to offer each other our time, understanding and respect.”
Ms Penfold warned against treating politicians as a special case. She said police officers, paramedics, nurses, and teachers face danger and abuse at work every day.
“We politicians are not a special class of victims,” she said.
She said she would not change the way she works in Lyne.
“In Lyne I spend a great deal of time out in towns and villages, talking with people at markets, community events, businesses and mobile offices,” she said.
“I put myself out there, mostly alone, where I am personally vulnerable. I would not have it any other way.”
“I want a politics where we can disagree fiercely, treat each other decently and go about our work without fear.”
Member for Page Kevin Hogan said Dr Haines was loved on both sides of the chamber.
“I have never heard one colleague in this chamber say a negative word about Helen Haines,” said Mr Hogan.
“She always did have this thing about her face and her eyes that was a twinkle, that was optimism and that was about a lot of courtesy and her energy and how she communicated with all of us.”
He said the road ahead would be hard.
“Her physical journey and her emotional journey in recovery is going to be long and it’s going to be arduous,” he said.
Mr Hogan praised the people who ran to help Dr Haines.
“In times of great darkness, we do see great heroism and inspiration,” he said.
“I have great optimism when I hear about the people who went and helped Helen and the danger they put themselves in, the risk they took and the bravery that they showed.”
He said he looked forward to the day Dr Haines returned to the chamber and was called to speak.
“There’ll probably be the loudest ‘hear, hear’ when you call the member for Indi to speak.”
Like what you’re reading? Support North Coast Times by making a small contribution today and help us keep delivering local news paywall-free. Donate now