Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles has called for greater civility in political debate while defending Prime Minister Anthony Albanese amid reports of a so-called “dirt file” targeting independent MP Helen Haines.
The Indi MP lost a leg and remains in critical condition after Brendan Nugent, 43, allegedly struck her with his Toyota LandCruiser outside her Wangaratta office in north-east Victoria on Monday afternoon. Police allege he rammed her against her car, reversed, then drove into her a second time.
The alleged attack has shocked Australia. In its aftermath, Albanese urged politicians and the public to lower the temperature of political debate, praising Haines’ integrity and cautioning against attacks based on unfounded claims about politicians’ motives.
Our News Outlet has since reported that the Prime Minister’s office recently distributed a document to journalists that baselessly questioned Haines’ integrity after she criticised a $6 million government grant for Albanese’s local golf course in Marrickville, in Sydney’s inner west.
Marles defended the Prime Minister when asked about the reported dirt file during an appearance on Channel Nine’s Today program on Wednesday.
“I don’t think it’s about pointing fingers,” he said.
“I think what it is about is all of us taking responsibility for the way in which we engage in public discourse.
“I actually think the Prime Minister is a person who, in terms of how he engages in discourse and public debate, does so with grace.
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“It’s one of the things I admire about Anthony Albanese. Anyone who looks at the way the Prime Minister speaks about issues, his colleagues and politics can see that.
“He does so in a very sensible, considered and, I think, graceful way.”
Marles urged parliamentarians across the political spectrum to follow Albanese’s example and reduce the intensity of political exchanges.
“We all need to embrace that and understand that while there are our opponents, if you like, in politics, they are also our colleagues in many ways,” he said. “They may hold different views, but we all acknowledge the sincerity with which people come to their work and try to improve their communities.
“That has to be the starting point for the way in which we engage in public debate.”
Marles described Haines as a “beacon of decency” and an example of the robust yet respectful debate expected from elected representatives.
“Anyone who looks at Helen Haines knows that she is someone who sincerely tries, each and every day, to represent her community and make life better for it,” he said.
“She has always been a picture of grace. So for this to have happened to her is deeply upsetting. My thoughts are very much with her and her family.”
