Albanese Dodges Questions on 'Dirt Sheet' Targeting Independent MP Haines

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has refused to confirm whether he was aware of or approved a "dirt sheet" distributed by his office to journalists concerning independent MP Helen Haines. The document, circulated weeks before Haines was allegedly attacked, raised questions about her integrity without providing evidence of wrongdoing.

Haines is currently in critical condition after she was reportedly rammed by a vehicle outside her office on Monday. Following the alleged incident, Albanese called for a reduction in political tensions and praised Haines.

When pressed by News24 host Kieran Gilbert on Wednesday about the "dirt sheet," Albanese did not directly answer, instead commending Haines as a "good local member" who advocates for her community. Gilbert reiterated the question, asking if the office sent the document and if Albanese regretted it in hindsight.

Albanese responded by comparing Haines' advocacy for grants to the actions of other local members and the previous Coalition government, stating, "That's what local members do for their local communities."

The "dirt sheet," obtained by the Daily Mail, was reportedly prepared by the Prime Minister's deputy director of communications. It detailed funding requests made by Haines for projects in her electorate and suggested lines of inquiry for reporters. The document questioned whether Haines had received undeclared gifts, held undisclosed business interests, accepted political donations, or maintained personal relationships with organizations that could benefit from government funding.

Peter van Onselen, Daily Mail Political and Economics Editor, noted that Albanese's response failed to explain the document's purpose or his office's involvement. Van Onselen stated, "That's not an answer. It leaves entirely unexplained why his office circulated insinuations about her integrity."

He further highlighted a contradiction in Albanese's remarks, pointing out that while the Prime Minister now states advocating for local funding is what good MPs do, his office had previously prompted journalists to view Haines' advocacy with suspicion regarding undeclared gifts and personal interests. Van Onselen added, "The dirt file had no evidence of undisclosed wrongdoing. He hasn't addressed that contradiction."

According to van Onselen, Haines was "disgusted" when shown the document, as it questioned her personal integrity while she was openly advocating for community projects without supporting evidence.

Separately, on Tuesday evening, 43-year-old Brendan Nugent was charged by Victoria Police in connection with the alleged hit-and-run that left Haines injured. Nugent faces charges including dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury, and causing harm to a Commonwealth public official. He was remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear in court again in February.