The Parliament of Australia has held an emotional tribute to independent MP Helen Haines, who recently had to have both legs amputated after the serious intentional hit-and-run she suffered last week at the hands of someone from her circle.
During the session, the parliamentarians stood up to acknowledge Haines' trajectory both in the political and personal spheres. "This is the kind of politician we would like to have more of," affirmed her independent benchmate, Kate Chaney, according to the local network ABC.
On her seat, an orange cardboard cockatoo has been placed, a symbol closely linked to the MP, as these colors have been characteristic in her campaigns and in the image of her support movement.
"It is hard to imagine someone in this place with a more uncontainable sparkle in their eyes," pointed out Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, directing his gaze to the seat that Haines has occupied since 2019, when she joined the House as part of the wave of independent MPs that has gained relevance in Australian politics in recent decades.
The tribute has also served to open a reflection on the political climate in Australia and the need to reduce confrontation, at a time marked by increasing polarization both in Parliament and in society and the media.
"We cannot allow disagreement to become a full stop. We continue to dialogue. We continue to work to achieve something better," emphasized Albanese.
A week ago, Helen Haines was deliberately hit by a vehicle at the doors of her electoral office in the city of Wangaratta, in the state of Victoria. For these events, a 43-year-old man, identified as Brendan Nugent, a known associate of the MP, was arrested, and authorities have charged him with three counts related to the attack.