Shaken PM calls for calm as he joins politicians in support for Haines

Anthony Albanese reiterated calls to “turn the temperature down” in the political discourse as he joined other politicians supporting MP Helen Haines after Monday’s attack.

Haines was flown to hospital with critical injuries after she was struck by a Toyota Landcruiser just before 4pm in a suspected deliberate attack outside her electorate office in Victoria. A 43-year-old man was arrested by police.

The news rocked Capital Hill after the Prime Minister stood up to inform the public of what had happened.

“This afternoon, Helen Haines, the Member for Indi, was attacked outside her electorate office in Wangaratta,” he said.

Albanese described the independent as a “thoroughly decent human being” who is respected across parliament and well-loved by her community as he called for the political and social temperature to come down in a later interview.

“There’s no place for political violence in a democracy,” he told the ABC after his press conference.

“I think there has been a rise in temperature and there has been too much shouting, not enough discourse, not enough polite conversation and disagreement.”

His calls come after 1,067 acts of threat or harassment against politicians and office holders in the last financial year, up from 951 the year before, according to Home Affairs.

Opposition Leader Angus Taylor said he was united with Albanese in his stance against political violence in what he said was a “shocking day for our nation”.

“Our nation cannot become a place where violent attacks are normalised,” he said.

“I’ve spoken with the prime minister, and we are united in our view that political violence must never be accepted as part of public life.

“I hope Helen, her family and her community across north-east Victoria know that Australians right across the country are thinking of them and holding them in their thoughts during this incredibly difficult time.”

Victorian Premier Ben Carroll said he was “deeply appalled by this violent attack”.

“My thoughts, and the thoughts of all Victorians, are with Helen, her family, her friends, her colleagues and her community,” he said.

“I know how devastating this will be for the Wangaratta community and all those who Helen represents.”

Right across party lines, federal politicians came out in droves to share their shock and throw their support behind Haines.

One Nation Leader Pauline Hanson wished Haines a “speedy recovery” as she also criticised political violence, while Greens Leader David Shoebridge described the independent as an “extraordinary human being and brings people together like few others”.

Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong and Treasurer Jim Chalmers both said their thoughts were with Haines and her loved ones.

“We are all hoping for Helen’s full recovery,” Wong said.

“A wonderful and thoughtful person, much-admired and much-loved,” Chalmers said.

Haines’ fellow independent senators and MPs joined the chorus, with Kooyong MP Monique Ryan and ACT Senator David Pocock describing her as the “best of us”.

“Helen Haines is the very best of people. She’s respected and loved by every person in our parliament,” Ryan said.

“Those of us lucky enough to know her are praying for Helen and her family, team and community tonight.“

“Helen is the very best of us,” Pocock said.

“Helen represents so much of the values we share as Australians. At a moment like this we should turn to them more than ever and be sure to take care of one another.“

Wentworth MP Allegra Spender said parliament needs people like Haines as she called for politicians to lead by example, while Warringah MP Zali Steggall said Haines is “a wonderful, caring, smart and wise friend and amazing representative for her community”.