Helen Haines loses both legs in attack that triggers parliamentary rift

Angus Taylor faces sharp criticism from independent MPs over his handling of the aftermath surrounding the assault on Helen Haines.

The controversy erupted on Monday as Parliament resumed in Canberra, one week after the alleged attack outside Haines's electorate office in northern Victoria. Haines lost both legs in the incident. Police have charged a 43-year-old man and continue their investigation, though no motive has been established.

In his address, Taylor rejected the notion that parliamentary behavior drives political violence. He stated that he disagreed with the view suggesting a causal connection between robust debate and aggression. Taylor argued that the Westminster system exists to settle differences through rigorous debate and that those who use intimidation or violence cross a line that must never be crossed. He also urged judges to impose harsher sentences on those found guilty of such acts.

Two crossbench members challenged Taylor's assessment. Monique Ryan, the independent member for Kooyong, described the response as hugely disappointing. She told ABC TV that if Taylor does not believe words matter, it is unclear how he aspires to lead a political party. Ryan argued that if Parliament cannot rise to the occasion after such an event, it never will.

Zali Steggall, the independent member for Warringah who sits beside Haines in the lower house, said she was personally disappointed. She noted that there is a link between words and actions and felt Taylor had not grasped the lesson Haines would want people to learn. Steggall said she had spoken with Haines's husband, Phil Haines, on Monday. He asked MPs to raise the bar so that a meaningful shift toward respectful debate would occur by the time Haines returns to Parliament.

Other figures weighed in on the tone of political life. Former Liberal leader Peter Dutton told News24 that more violence against politicians was inevitable, stating that it had been building for a long period. One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce also opposed changing parliamentary practice. He called the attack so unAustralian and said that changing question time would not solve the problem, pointing instead to vindictive rhetoric in public life.