Independent MP for Curtin Kate Chaney has called on federal parliament to uphold the democratic values represented by fellow independent Helen Haines, as politicians return to Canberra following a violent attack that has left the Member for Indi with both legs amputated.
Haines, 65, was struck by a car outside her electorate office in Wangaratta, Victoria, last week in what police are treating as a deliberate attack. The incident has deeply affected the parliamentary community and prompted renewed debate about political hostility, politicians’ safety and the standards of public discourse.
As parliament resumes, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is expected to move a motion allowing MPs to express their support for Haines. Her seat will remain empty during Question Time, with colleagues pledging to continue her work and uphold the principles she has brought to public life.
Chaney, who has described Haines as a mentor, said the people of Indi would be represented by an empty seat, but hoped the parliament would hear the voices of Australians who wanted the kind of democracy Haines represents.
“The people of Indi will be represented by an empty seat this week, but I hope their voices and the voices of all Australians who want the kind of democracy Helen represents will be heard clearly by the parliament,” Ms Chaney said.
The response has included renewed support for a parliamentary civility pledge inspired by the family of British MP Jo Cox, who was murdered in 2016. Haines was the first Australian MP to sign the pledge earlier this year.
The commitment reads: “In my political life, I pledge to act with honesty, respect and compassion.”
Other crossbench MPs have emphasised the importance of maintaining Haines’s example. Independent MP Monique Ryan described her as parliament’s “most gentle, principled, and kind member”, while independent senator David Pocock said her influence should inspire politicians to keep working to improve Australian democracy.
The attack has also intensified scrutiny of political rhetoric and the role of social media in encouraging hostility towards elected representatives.
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett warned that inflammatory political discourse could correlate with increased threats against politicians. Asked about One Nation cartoons depicting politicians being hit by cars, she said such material could prompt reactions within the community.
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson defended the cartoons, arguing they were unrelated to the attack and insisting that free speech, satire, criticism and debate were essential to democracy.
Other politicians called for greater restraint. Former Nationals leader David Littleproud said elected representatives needed to “play the ball, not the man”, while Liberal MP Ted O’Brien described the incident as a sombre reminder to consider the consequences of political rhetoric.
Security arrangements at Parliament House are also being strengthened. In a letter to MPs, House Speaker Milton Dick and Senate President Sue Lines announced additional security measures in selected areas of the parliamentary precinct. MPs have also received security briefings from the AFP, amid concerns about the risks faced by politicians, their staff and families.
However, parliamentarians have stressed that greater protection must be balanced with accessibility to the public. Labor frontbencher Catherine King said engaging directly with communities remained an essential part of their work.
For Chaney, the challenge is to ensure that the attack does not deter people from participating in public life. Her message reinforces the importance of respectful political debate and the need to protect the democratic values that Haines has championed throughout her career.