Parliament pauses to pay tribute to Helen Haines

Federal parliament paused on 26 October 2026 to honour Helen Haines, the member for the Indi electorate, a week after she was allegedly targeted in an attack outside her electorate office. Her local office is the base she runs for the seat in Canberra's lower house, the House of Representatives, where the tributes were given.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese led the speeches, which also covered Ms Haines's husband, Phil, and her staff. Albanese called her "a fighter" with a deep love of her community, according to The Guardian. Monique Ryan, the independent member for Kooyong, also paid tribute. A cockatoo was placed in Parliament as a tribute to Ms Haines, according to The Straits Times.

Ms Haines, who is 65, remained in serious but stable condition at The Alfred hospital in Melbourne on 26 October. She lost both of her legs as a result of the alleged ramming attack. A 43-year-old man has been charged over the attack. The motive is unknown and remains under investigation.

Opposition leader Angus Taylor rejected calls for a change in parliamentary practice aimed at cooling Australia's political debate. The calls were made in the wake of the attack, and Mr Taylor's position was reported in the same parliamentary sitting.