Federal politicians call for action after day of Helen Haines tributes as parliament returns to policy debate
MPs will get down to regular business following an attack on an independent MP after a day of sharing tributes to her from across the political spectrum.
Federal politicians have vowed to take action on issues dear to Helen Haines and her community as parliament returns to policy debate.
The independent MP was struck repeatedly by a four-wheel-drive in an allegedly deliberate attack outside her electoral office.
She has since had both of her legs amputated and remains in a serious but stable condition with police still working to determine a motive.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.MPs from across the political divide paid tribute to Dr Haines on Monday.
As the sun set over the capital, Labor backbencher Ali France described learning of the attack.
“I felt like I couldn’t breathe, my chest hurt, and like the speed of light, my brain went straight to her fight for life,” Ms France recounted in parliament.
“The flashes of fear that she may have had, the confusion of not knowing what was hurt or who was hurt, the urgency and the heroism of bystanders, her staff, and first responders.
“I went there because I know it.”
Ms France was seriously injured saving her youngest son Zac from an out-of-control vehicle in a shopping centre car park in 2011 and had a leg amputated.
“What I do not know is being deliberately attacked, targeted at work by a member of the community I serve and love.”
Independent MP Dai Le called for action to represent Dr Haines’ constituents in her absence.
“If we are going to honour Helen, let’s make it count for her and her community,” Ms Le told the parliament, reiterating Dr Haines’ push for increased funding to close the $9 billion gap in health spending between the cities and regional Australia.
“That is what Helen would fight for, and that is how we honour her.”
Politicians from all parties have shared experiences of threats of violence reaching their offices and families, with Ms France calling for a return to respectful debate.
“We must be better, and we must demand better from big tech and the online environment,” she said.
Her comments come ahead of the government’s Digital Duty of Care bill that is set to be debated in the lower house on Wednesday.
Under the proposal, social media platforms would be forced to protect users under 18 from content that promotes crime or eating disorders, pornography or misogynistic content, as well as posts that cause distress.
Representatives from the media regulator and the eSafety Commissioner will likely field questions about the proposed legislation during senate estimates on Tuesday.
