There were tears in Parliament House on Monday as Australia’s political leaders put aside their differences to pay an emotional tribute to Helen Haines, one week after the shocking attack that left the much-loved independent MP with life-changing injuries.
In a deeply moving scene, the 65-year-old’s empty parliamentary seat was marked with a small orange cockatoo, a symbol closely associated with the member for Indi, as colleagues gathered to honour a woman widely respected across the political divide.
And amid the heartbreak, there was some encouraging news: Ms Haines, who underwent the amputation of both legs following the alleged deliberate attack outside her Wangaratta office on October 19, is now reported to be in a serious but stable condition at Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese led the tributes, describing the profound shock that had gripped parliament and the nation.
“The shock from what happened last Monday is like a stone in our hearts,” he told the House of Representatives.
“It is hard to think of anyone in this place with a more irrepressible twinkle in the eye, a twinkle that more than hints at a real inner strength.”
Watching from the public gallery was Ms Haines’ husband of almost 40 years, Phil, who fought back tears as politicians spoke warmly of his wife.
At times, he gazed towards the ceiling, visibly emotional as colleagues recalled her compassion, determination and commitment to public service.
Throughout the chamber, MPs wore white jackets adorned with sprigs of baby’s breath, fastened with orange heart pins in a touching tribute to Ms Haines’ signature campaign colour.
Independent MP Zali Steggall, a close friend of Ms Haines, placed the orange cockatoo on her empty seat before delivering an emotional address.
Fighting back tears, Ms Steggall described her friend as the guiding figure of the independent crossbench.
“You’re the matriarch of the crossbench, always the voice for respectful political debate,” she said.
Fellow independent Monique Ryan was also visibly emotional, remembering Ms Haines as “a woman of luminous generosity and kindness” who had an extraordinary ability to put others at ease.
The tributes were not confined to her independent colleagues.
Opposition Leader Angus Taylor said it would be a powerful moment for Australian democracy if Ms Haines were able to return to her parliamentary seat.
House of Representatives Speaker Milton Dick also spoke warmly of the injured MP, recalling how she had offered him encouragement during difficult moments.
“I could always count on Helen when I had a particularly difficult day, or if I needed a bit of extra encouragement,” he said.
He expressed his hope that one day he would again be able to welcome her back to the chamber with the familiar words: “I give the call to the member for Indi.”
But as parliament united in its support, a deeply personal message from Ms Haines’ own staff revealed just how profoundly the attack has affected those closest to her.
In a statement shared on her Instagram account, Team Haines thanked Australians for the extraordinary kindness shown to the MP, her family and colleagues.
“Our team has been overwhelmed by the kindness shown by the Indi community and people right across Australia and internationally,” the statement read.
The staff also revealed the emotional toll of witnessing the attack firsthand.
“What happened on Monday has deeply affected Helen’s family and all of her staff. Many of us witnessed the incident and some were among the first to come to her aid.”
“As Helen takes the time she needs to recover, we will take time to look after ourselves and one another, too. Healing will take time, and we ask for your understanding as we navigate the days and weeks ahead.”
Despite the trauma, the team is working towards reopening Ms Haines’ electorate offices in Wangaratta and Wodonga on Thursday, October 29.
In the meantime, staff are continuing to monitor emails and phone messages and respond to urgent constituent enquiries.
The statement also highlighted an extraordinary outpouring of generosity inspired by Ms Haines’ commitment to helping others.
After her husband Phil invited supporters to donate to Save the Children Australia in her honour, the fundraising appeal quickly gathered momentum.
“Since Phil first invited people to donate to Save the Children Australia in Helen’s honour, more than $730,000 has been raised to help children across Australia and around the world,” her team wrote.
“We are deeply moved by the extraordinary generosity of so many people.”
Ms Haines has long supported the work of Save the Children, and donations remain welcome through the fundraising page established in her honour.
Meanwhile, flowers, handwritten messages and expressions of support have continued to arrive outside her electorate office in Wangaratta, where the community remains deeply shaken.
Mr Albanese also paid tribute to the ordinary Australians who rushed to Ms Haines’ aid following the attack, including the bystanders who helped restrain the suspected driver and the medical professionals who fought to save her life.
“We are also uplifted in the knowledge that on that terrible afternoon, we saw examples of the best of the Australian character,” he said.
The Prime Minister used the occasion to warn about the increasingly hostile tone of public debate, describing a “rising tide of rage” that was threatening to undermine respectful disagreement.
His concerns were echoed by several colleagues, who urged politicians to consider how their words and behaviour could influence the wider community.
In honour of Ms Haines, independent MPs are being encouraged to sign a pledge committing themselves to honesty, respect and compassion in political life.
Ms Haines was the first federal MP to sign the Compassion in Politics Australia pledge, reflecting values her colleagues say she has consistently demonstrated throughout her parliamentary career.
The man accused of deliberately striking Ms Haines with a four-wheel drive, Brendan Nugent, 43, has been charged with multiple offences and remanded in custody. Police have not ruled out further charges.
For now, however, the focus of Ms Haines’ parliamentary colleagues, family and staff remains firmly on her recovery.
And while her familiar seat in the House of Representatives remained empty on Monday, the little orange cockatoo resting in her place offered a poignant reminder of the woman they hope to welcome back.
Her staff perhaps summed up the nation’s collective sentiment best in the closing words of their statement.
“Thank you for your kindness, patience, and care for Helen, her family and our team. It means more than words will ever convey.”
