MPs vow action on Helen Haines' priorities after attack

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 26 Oct, 17:02 · Archive

Independent MP Helen Haines had both legs amputated after being struck by a four-wheel-drive in an allegedly deliberate attack outside her electoral office.

Independent MP Helen Haines was struck repeatedly by a four-wheel-drive in an allegedly deliberate attack outside her electoral office. She has had both of her legs amputated and remains in serious but stable condition. Police are still working to determine a motive for the incident.

Federal politicians from across the political spectrum paid tribute to Dr Haines on Monday as parliament met. Labor backbencher Ali France, who was seriously injured in 2011 when saving her son from an out-of-control vehicle and subsequently had a leg amputated, described her emotional response to 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 told parliament.

Independent MP Dai Le called on colleagues to honour Dr Haines by advancing her legislative priorities during her absence. 'If we are going to honour Helen, let's make it count for her and her community,' Ms Le said, reiterating Dr Haines' push for increased funding to close the $9 billion gap in health spending between cities and regional Australia. As parliament returned to regular business, federal politicians vowed to take action on issues dear to Dr Haines and her community.

How it is being reported

• 'Make it count': call for action after day of tributesMPs 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.Perth Now · 26 Oct, 16:37
• 'Make it count': call for action after day of tributesMPs 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.The West Australian · 26 Oct, 16:37

In this story: Helen Haines · Ali France · Dai Le · Australia

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