Indies Slam Taylor Over Dismissive Tone on Haines Attack

Independent MPs Monique Ryan and Zali Steggall rejected Opposition Leader Angus Taylor’s response to the attack on Indi MP Helen Haines, labeling his remarks as tone deaf. The criticism emerged on Monday as Parliament resumed in Canberra, one week after Haines was attacked outside her electorate office in northern Victoria. Haines lost both legs in the incident, which has intensified scrutiny of political conduct and safety.

Taylor addressed the House by arguing that rigorous debate under the Westminster system prevents political violence. He stated that those who resort to intimidation cross a line that must never be crossed. Taylor rejected the notion that parliamentary behavior causes physical aggression, a view he said had gained traction in the days following the attack. He also urged judges to impose stricter sentences on those convicted of intimidation and violence.

In the same speech, Taylor suggested that Australia should be celebrated more often. He argued that many Australians have been taught to feel guilt and shame about their nation’s history. He noted that while Labor was right to call out far-right extremism, the party should reject all forms of extremism. He did not propose specific changes to parliamentary rules or question time procedures.

Steggall, the independent member for Warringah who sits next to Haines in the lower house, said she was personally disappointed in Taylor’s address. She asserted that there is a direct link between words and actions. Steggall said she did not feel Taylor had grasped the lesson Haines would want the public to learn. She extended the same expectation of care to media reporting, election advertising, and social media.

Steggall spoke with Phil Haines, Helen’s husband, in Canberra on Monday. Phil Haines asked members of parliament to raise the standard of debate. He wants a meaningful shift toward respectful discourse to be in place by the time Helen Haines returns to the chamber. Steggall summarized his position by noting that words have an impact, even when disagreements are conducted respectfully.

Ryan, the independent member for Kooyong, described Taylor’s response as hugely disappointing. She told ABC TV that she did not understand how Taylor aspired to lead a political party if he did not believe that the words used in politics matter. Ryan added that if the House could not rise to the occasion after an event as unthinkable as the attack on Haines, it never would.

One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce also opposed changing parliamentary practice. He described the alleged attack as so unAustralian and pointed to vindictive rhetoric in public life as a driver of the problem. He said changing question time would not solve the issue, arguing that a shift in dynamics both in Australia and abroad was at play. Police have charged a 43-year-old man in connection with the attack, and the investigation is ongoing. No motive has been disclosed.