Helen Haines attack, politics live: Federal MP remains in critical, stable condition after losing two legs

A WA minister has spoken out after a man allegedly stormed her Perth electorate office while armed with nunchucks before threatening staff and “demanding access” to her.

Hannah Beazley — the State Minister for Local Government, Disability Services, Volunteering, Youth and Gascoyne — said the man was demanding to speak with her after entering her Victoria Park office about 1.15pm on Wednesday.

The 56-year-old man was arrested in the nearby suburb of Bentley and is assisting police. No injuries were reported.

The minister, who was not present at the time, said her staff were forced to call police after the man acted in a “very threatening” manner while armed with the martial arts weapon.

“Two staff were there at the time — he was right up at the security screen. He did try to lean through the security screen, but my staff were a safe distance behind,” she said.

“He did want access to me, I believe, but we don’t know his motivations at all.

“When he was escalated, they couldn’t actually understand what he was saying.”

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Governor-General Sam Mostyn has spoken about the honour of being invited to speak alongside Helen Haines’ husband at a press conference on Wednesday night.

Ms Mostyn joined Phil Haines in an address to the media at The Alfred Hospital, where Helen Haines remains in a critical condition, confirming the Federal MP had both her legs amputated.

Reflecting on the emotional appearance, Ms Mostyn said she was honoured to have spent time with the Haines’ family in the days following the alleged attack.

“It’s a deeply, deeply emotional time for Phil and his broader family,” she told ABC on Thursday morning.

“I had the great honour before we did the press conference to spend time with his broader family, including two brand new little grandchildren.

“It’s just simply heartbreaking.

“I was very, very privileged to have Phil call me yesterday morning and ask if I would stand beside him as governor general and a friend of Helen’s to offer some remarks on behalf of the country.”

The Governor-General said it was necessary Australians band together and turn down political heat in the wake of the horrific incident.

“Australia’s story is still a good, strong one, and we shouldn’t forget that,” she said.

“That’s why I think, as a nation, we pause and think about, what are those new features that have crept into our system?

“Remind ourselves that we do the job, be curious about our democracy, learn about who we are as citizens, how we exercise our vote, and then show this deep kindness and care for each other, and not take that immediate descent into an attack, or viciousness or division.”

Voters and candidates will benefit from beefed-up security arrangements around the Victoria State election after Helen Haines was struck by a four-wheel-drive outside her electorate office in Wangaratta.

The incident has sparked debate about whether public officials are sufficiently protected from threats against their safety.

Premier Ben Carroll said additional security resources would be put in place for the November 28 poll.

“The (Victorian Electoral Commission), Victoria Police and all political parties take the safety of this election very seriously,” he told reporters on Wednesday.

“What has happened must be a turning point for political debate in Victoria and around Australia.”

He said the level of co-operation between Victoria Police and the electoral commission was “unprecedented”.

Federal shadow defence minister James Paterson said on Wednesday he feared the Victorian election could be a flashpoint for simmering community tensions.

Voting centres in his home state, he told ABC’s Radio National, could be a “focal point for people who were angry and frustrated”.

with AAP

Federal MP Helen Haines has spent a third night in hospital where she remains in a critical but stable condition.

In an update on Thursday morning, Melbourne’s The Alfred hospital confirmed Dr Haines’ condition remained the same after her second leg was amputated on Wednesday.

More information on the member for Indi’s condition is expected in another update from the hospital later today.

Dr Haines’ husband, Phil Haines, revealed specialists were left with no choice but to remove her right leg after fighting to save it.

“What took place on Monday was an horrendous incident. And it’s . . . caused Helen significant injuries,” Mr Haines said at a press conference on Wednesday night.

“And as of this afternoon, or this morning, the surgeons had to also remove her right leg.

“But the good news in all this is Helen is alive and she’s stable . . . that is the most important thing for our family.”