Helen Haines’ first words after alleged attack revealed during emotional parliament tribute

The first words uttered by Helen Haines as she woke in hospital after losing her legs in an alleged attack outside her electorate office have been shared during a sombre tribute in parliament.

The chamber was awash with moving messages of support to Haines as her absence is felt throughout Canberra, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese describing the incident as a “stone in our hearts”.

Fellow crossbencher Allegra Spender was among the many parliamentarians to pay tribute on to Haines on Monday, sharing her colleague’s first words in hospital which reflected the MP’s “kindness and generosity”.

“Phil [Haines] told us about your first words … when you woke up after the attack, and said that your first concerns when you awoke were for your staff and gratitude to the first responders, nurses and bystanders,” Spender said.

“That exactly speaks to the character of who you are.”

Spender added that Haines, throughout her career in politics, had been a “force for change”.

Haines remains in a serious but stable condition at The Alfred in Melbourne, a week on from being hit by a car in an alleged deliberate attack outside her electorate office in Wangaratta last week.

The severe injuries resulted in a double leg amputation.

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The prime minister earlier on Monday moved a motion in the House of Representatives to support Haines after meeting with her husband, Phil.

“The shock from what happened last Monday is like a stone in our hearts,” he said.

“What brings it home today is being back in this chamber, on what should have been an ordinary sitting 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, representing the community that she loves.”

Opposition Leader Angus Taylor said the moment Haines returns to the House will be a “resounding moment” for democracy.

“We’re praying for your swift recovery. My hope, our hope, the nation’s hope, is that you will be back here soon,” he said.

“Helen Haines epitomises civility, and that’s why the violent attack on her seems so unfathomable.”

Members of parliament dressed in white and orange and donned flowers on their shirts in tribute Haines.

They were allowed to share their messages of support, with the first being Haines’ colleague on the crossbench Zali Steggall.

The MP was emotional and let out some tears as she described her friend as the “matriarch of the crossbench” and “always a voice for respectful political debate”.

Parliament has been suspended for the day as increased security is deployed at public entrances and committee rooms.

Crossbenchers have also backed calls for politicians to sign the civility pledge – a public commitment that asks elected officials to behave with honesty, respect and compassion.

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‘Pages and pages’: Police boss reveals rising scale of threats against MPs

Haines, one of the most respected parliamentarians, was the first MP to sign the pledge earlier this year.

Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett on Sunday warned of the direct link between political rhetoric and an increase in violent threats.

“We do see where there is particular political conflict or discourse occurring, it does have a direct correlation to what we see in terms of threats and abuse, and sometimes it’s very immediate,” she told the ABC.

Asked whether One Nation’s online cartoon series, including one episode that depicts former Victorian premier Daniel Andrews being run over by a car driven by Bluey, was an example of said political discourse, Barrett said it could be.

“We do see examples where there are particular announcements or things like you’ve just described. There is a reaction amongst the community,” she said.

"Words matter, and we do see the flow-on impact from that."

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson rejected the link and said free speech, satire and criticism were essential to democracy.

“I wish we didn’t have to respond to this today. Our thoughts should be with Helen Haines, and praying for her speedy recovery,” she said on Sunday.

“The Please Explain cartoons have nothing to do with the tragic attack on Helen Haines. They will not be going anywhere.

“Liberal and Labor politicians want our cartoons censored because they don’t like the scrutiny.”

Taylor used his speech in the House of Representatives earlier on Monday to also thwart accusations that political rhetoric can lead to violence.

“It has been suggested by some there is a causal connection between robust parliamentary debate and political violence. I disagree with this view,” he said.

“We debate with adversarial vigour, but we never allow that vigorous parliamentary debate to spill over into violence.

“People who resort to intimidation and violence cross a line that must never be crossed.”