Helen Haines' First Words After Attack Focused on Gratitude

Federal Member for Indi, Helen Haines, whose first thoughts upon regaining consciousness after an alleged attack were for the bystanders who assisted her and the emergency responders, is in a stable condition at The Alfred Hospital in Melbourne. The independent MP lost both her legs in the incident outside her Wangaratta office last Monday.

Parliamentarians from all sides of the political spectrum united to pay tribute to Haines on Monday, with her husband, Phil, present in the gallery. Fellow crossbench MP Allegra Spender shared Haines' initial words after she awoke, noting they reflected her character. "Phil told us about your first words since when you woke up after the attack, and said that your first concerns when you woke were for your staff and gratitude to your first the first responders, nurses, and bystanders," Spender said.

Agriculture Minister Julie Collins echoed these sentiments, stating it was unsurprised given Haines' known character. "After everything that she has been through, she was thinking of others," Collins remarked.

During the parliamentary tributes, a cut-out of an orange cockatoo was placed on Haines' empty seat by her friend and fellow independent MP Zali Steggall. Steggall referred to Haines as the matriarch of the crossbench. The cockatoo was a symbolic reference to Haines' description of her campaign volunteers as 'a flock of cockatoos.' Many MPs wore baby's breath flowers or orange, the color of Haines' campaign, in solidarity.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese led the tributes, describing the shock of the incident. "The shock from what happened last Monday is like a stone in our hearts," he 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 over there, hoping and looking forward to the day in which she's back here, representing the community that she loves."

Albanese also spoke of Haines' background as a nurse and midwife, noting her "capacity to do it all with such heart and such unrelenting advocacy" and her "irrepressible twinkle in the eye, a twinkle that more than hints at a real inner strength."

Recalling a conversation with Haines' husband, Albanese shared that Phil described Helen's "superpowers as empathy, kindness and compassion," and spoke of "hope and change and the need for a gentler, more cohesive path." The Prime Minister assured Phil that the parliament stands with Helen, their children, and grandchildren.

Haines' electorate offices are scheduled to reopen later this week. A statement from her office indicated that while Haines takes time to recover, her staff will also focus on their own well-being and mutual support. "Healing will take time, and we ask for your understanding as we navigate the days and weeks ahead," the statement read, thanking the public for their kindness and care.

A fundraising page established in Haines' honor has raised nearly $1.3 million for Save the Children.