MPs urge 'let light win' as a cardboard cockatoo holds Helen Haines's seat

An orange cardboard cockatoo sat in the Australian parliament on Monday, holding a seat for Helen Haines. Haines is an independent MP who represents the electorate of Indi in north-east Victoria. The week before, a man drove his car at her outside her office in Wangaratta. Her injuries were so serious that doctors had to amputate both of her legs. Parliament paused its normal work so MPs could share support for Haines and her family.

For hours, MP after another stood up in the House to speak about Haines. They praised her kindness, wisdom, and respect for others. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he kept looking to where she normally sits, expecting to see her. 'It is hard to think of anyone in this place with a more irrepressible twinkle in the eye,' he said. Many people in the chamber were moved to tears during the tributes.

Haines built her political career in an unusual way, without the support of a major party. Local people in her community ran her campaign for her. She won her seat in Indi after independent MP Cathy McGowan retired. Voters re-elected her two more times after that. Her colleagues say she was known for being calm, even in a loud and often raucous parliament.

As a politician, Haines worked hard on issues that mattered to her region. She helped create a system that lets mobile phones switch to another network during a disaster. She also played a key role in setting up the National Anti-Corruption Commission, which fights dishonest behaviour in government. Haines was also a former nurse and maternal health expert who pushed for better health services in rural areas. Her colleagues say integrity in government was her greatest passion.

Haines also guided newer independent MPs through the workings of parliament. MP Zali Steggall said she taught them how to speak up for their communities without a big party behind them. MP Kate Chaney recalled t-shirts printed with the slogan: 'What Would Helen Do?' Chaney said she still asks herself that question all the time. 'Helen, please come back to us. We need you here more than ever,' Chaney said.

Several MPs signed a Civility Pledge, a promise to argue more respectfully. The pledge was inspired by the family of British MP Jo Cox, who was killed in 2016. Haines had been the first Australian MP to sign it earlier this year. Speaker Milton Dick said the attack should be 'a moment for all of us to rise to the challenge' of greater kindness. Prime Minister Albanese warned against letting normal disagreement turn into a 'rising tide of rage.'

Many MPs spoke of Australians feeling worried that their country is growing more angry and divided. But they also highlighted people like Ricky Jefferies, a local barber who ran toward danger to help Haines after the attack. Liberal MP Andrew Hastie said Jefferies knew the first responders because he cut their hair — through real community bonds, not social media. 'We thrive as a nation when we are in a community with our neighbours,' Hastie said. His words summed up the mood of the day.

A vigil in Wangaratta after the attack saw cockatoos fly overhead. Cathy McGowan said cockatoos 'make a lot of noise, but they're very supportive of each other as a flock.' Opposition Leader Angus Taylor said Haines's return to parliament would be a 'resounding moment for democracy.' He said the attack showed one man's cruelty standing in stark contrast to the courage of many ordinary Australians. Everyone in the chamber seemed to be looking forward to the day Helen Haines fills her seat once more.