In a quiet chamber that usually hums with debate, the air was heavy with grief as federal parliamentarians returned to Canberra to suspend business and pay tribute to independent MP Helen Haines.
A week earlier, outside her electorate office in Wangaratta, Haines was allegedly attacked, resulting in the loss of both legs. She remains in hospital in Melbourne, her life forever altered.
On 2026-10-26, parliamentary business was suspended to pay tribute to Helen Haines.
On 2026-10-26, parliamentary business was suspended to pay tribute to Helen Haines.
Colleagues wore orange hearts, and a cockatoo silhouette was placed on her chair.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese led the tribute, saying, 'Today, being back in this chamber on what should have been an ordinary day, looking across at the member for Indi's seat over there, and hoping and looking forward to the day in which she's back here.' He added, 'Right now our friend and colleague is in hospital, grievously injured. The shape of her life and her family's lives have changed forever.'
Albanese used the moment to address the rise of anger and aggression in public discourse.
Haines remains in hospital a week after the alleged attack.