Parliament honors Helen Haines after brutal attack leaves her without legs
Federal MP Helen Haines, who lost both legs in an alleged attack outside her Wangaratta office, received heartfelt tributes in parliament as she remains in serious but stable condition.
Helen Haines, the independent MP for Indi, was attacked outside her Wangaratta office, sustaining injuries that required the amputation of both legs. While she remains in a serious but stable condition at Melbourne's The Alfred Hospital, parliament convened to pay tribute, highlighting her concern for staff and gratitude toward bystanders and medical personnel. Crossbench colleagues such as Allegra Spender and Zali Steggall, along with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Agriculture Minister Julie Collins, expressed admiration for her empathy and resilience.
Symbolic gestures included an orange cockatoo cut-out on her seat and floral tributes in her campaign colour. Haines' husband Phil observed the ceremony, and a fundraising effort in her name has generated almost $1.3 million for Save the Children, while her office prepares to reopen constituency services.
Why it matters
The incident underscores the risks faced by public officials and the bipartisan solidarity in response to personal tragedy.
How this story developed
- Oct 20 Independent MP Helen Haines seriously injured in alleged car assault in Victoria
- Oct 21 A magistrate denied bail and ordered Nugent detained pending a February hearing.
- Oct 21 Both of Haines' legs were amputated following the attack.
- Oct 22 More than $400,000 was donated to Save the Children Australia after the husband’s request.
- Oct 23 Attacker remains in custody awaiting trial.
- Oct 25 Parliament will halt its usual business on Monday to pay tribute to Haines.
- Oct 25 Parliament increased security across key areas and scheduled a motion to pause most of the agenda to allow MPs to voice support for Haines.
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