Federal MP Helen Haines’ first thoughts were not for herself, but for the bystanders who sprang into action after the alleged attack that left her fighting for her life.
The independent member for Indi, in north-east Victoria, remains in a serious but stable condition at Melbourne’s The Alfred Hospital after losing both legs in the horrific incident outside her Wangaratta office last Monday.
Members from across the political divide joined in tributes to Haines in parliament on Monday, as her husband of 40 years, Phil, watched from the public gallery.
Fellow crossbench MP Allegra Spender revealed what Haines said when she regained consciousness, describing the words as a powerful reflection of her character.
“Phil told us about your first words after you woke from the attack,” Spender said. “Your first concerns were for your staff, along with gratitude for the first responders, nurses and bystanders.”
“People have spoken about your empathy and grace, and they deserve recognition.
“But I think that can create a picture of you as a benign force simply moving through parliament.
“What I will say is that you are also a force for change.”
Helen Haines’ first words after waking from the alleged attack have been revealed
Fellow crossbench MP Allegra Spender fought back tears during Monday’s parliamentary tributes to Helen Haines
An orange cockatoo cut-out was placed on Haines’ seat by her friend and fellow independent MP Zali Steggall
Agriculture Minister Julie Collins echoed those sentiments, saying Haines’ response was “not a surprise to any of us who know her”.
“After everything that she has been through, she was thinking of others,” Collins said.
An orange cockatoo cut-out was placed on Haines’ seat by fellow independent MP Zali Steggall, who described her close friend as the matriarch of the crossbench.
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The bird offered a poignant reminder of Haines’ description of her volunteer campaign team as “a flock of cockatoos”.
Haines and Spender were among the many MPs visibly distressed as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese led the tributes in parliament on Monday.
“The shock from what happened last Monday is like a stone in our hearts,” Albanese told the chamber.
“What brings it home today is being back in this chamber on what should have been an ordinary sitting day and looking across at the member for Indi’s seat, hoping for and looking forward to the day when she is back here representing the community she loves.
“It is hard to think of anyone in this place with a more irrepressible twinkle in the eye — a twinkle that reveals a profound inner strength.”
Albanese also recounted a private conversation he had with Haines’ husband earlier on Monday.
Helen Haines’ staff prepare to reopen her electorate offices later this week
‘This morning Phil spoke lovingly of Helen’s superpowers as empathy, kindness and compassion,’ he said
‘He spoke of hope and change and the need for a gentler, more cohesive path.
‘I want Phil to know that we are with him and Helen and with their children and their grandchildren, and will remain with them.’
It comes as Haines’ staff prepare to reopen her electorate offices later this week.
‘As Helen takes the time she needs to recover, we will take time to look after ourselves and one another, too,’ a statement from her office read.
‘Healing will take time, and we ask for your understanding as we navigate the days and weeks ahead.
‘Thank you for your kindness, patience, and care for Helen, her family and our team. It means more than words will ever convey.’
