Key facts
- Helen Haines, Indi MP, was allegedly the target of an attack outside her electorate office.
- Haines lost both her legs as a result of the alleged ramming attack.
- A 43-year-old man has been charged in relation to the incident.
- The motivation for the incident is unknown and continues to be investigated.
- Prime Minister Albanese described the shock from the alleged attack as "like a stone in our hearts".
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese led tributes in federal parliament for independent MP Helen Haines, who was seriously injured in an alleged ramming attack outside her electorate office. Haines lost both her legs in the incident and remains in a serious but stable condition. A 43-year-old man has been charged, and the motivation for the attack is under investigation. Albanese described the shock as "like a stone in our hearts" and warned of a "very real rise in anger" distorting public discourse, exacerbated by social media. Opposition leader Angus Taylor and MP Barnaby Joyce, however, rejected suggestions of a causal link between robust parliamentary debate and political violence, emphasizing the importance of vigorous debate without resorting to intimidation or violence. MPs are being encouraged to sign a civility pledge.