‘Business as usual is not an option’: Phil Haines calls for kinder politics

Phil Haines wants the alleged attack on his wife, independent MP Helen Haines, to mean something, urging Australia’s political leaders to turn tragedy into a catalyst for change.

Mr Haines privately addressed MPs and senators at Parliament House earlier this week, with fellow independent Dr Sophie Scamps later recounting his remarks in the chamber.

“Phil has asked that what has happened to Helen mean something,” she said.

“Business as usual is not an option, because the current febrile environment is dividing our communities and our country.

“We as national leaders have a choice, as Phil said, to tame it or inflame it. It is up to us to hold this nation of ours — this beautiful nation — together.”

Dr Haines had both legs amputated last week after she was allegedly deliberately struck by a car outside her Wangaratta electorate office in regional Victoria.

The alleged attack has heightened concerns about politicians’ safety, drawing attention to the torrent of online abuse and death threats directed at MPs and senators.

Security upgrades will be fast-tracked at electorate offices of at least nine MPs.

“He came to parliament to share his family’s most solemn wish—that this tragedy should be the event that will break the fever and be the moment at which we turn to a gentler and more cohesive path,” said Labor MP Alicia Payne.

Tributes to Dr Haines, a former nurse and midwife, flowed in parliament on Monday.

Bradfield independent Nicolette Boele said the crossbench often asked itself, “What would Helen do?”, a question she had considered countless times.

“I sometimes get asked about who the next prime minister should be, and without hesitation I offer up Dr Helen Haines, Australia’s first Independent prime minister,” she said.

“My word, I think she would meet the challenge of the office very well, do good and do us proud.”

Labor MP Josh Burns praised Dr Haines as a role model for the next generation.

“This place needs people like Helen, and I want my daughters to be able to see an example of strength, empathy and intellect in public life,” he said.

Multicultural Affairs Minister Anne Aly said Mr Haines’ words should prompt politicians to reflect on their conduct.

“Phil described this past week as a moment, and indeed it is a moment. It’s a moment to give us all pause for thought about how we participate in political debate,” she said.

Liberal MP Melissa Price echoed his call for greater civility.

“We should follow Phil’s advice in consideration of when we are speaking in the public or in the media or in parliament. We must think whether we are inflaming or whether we’re contributing meaningfully to the debate and conversation. It’s pretty simple, really,” she said.”

Independent MP Andrew Gee warned that words alone would not be enough.

“Politicians must lead on this. While there have been many fine words and sentiments expressed since the events of that awful day — words no doubt expressed sincerely and honestly — those words must now be backed up by action and deeds,” he said.

“We will be judged on our actions.”