Media & Opinion
Statement following attack
on Helen Haines MP
Compassion In Politics Australia is deeply saddened by the attack on Dr Helen Haines MP outside her Wangaratta electorate office.
Our thoughts are with Helen, her family, her staff and the people of Indi. We join Australians across the country and across the political spectrum in hoping for her full recovery.
Compassion in Politics Australia exists for one reason: to build a better politics by putting compassion at its heart. We are cross-party because we believe people of every political persuasion can disagree strongly while still treating one another with dignity, respect and care. We ask our elected representatives to model that,
and we ask the community to expect it of them.
Helen was the very first MP to put her hand up and sign our Civility Pledge, committing to respectful and constructive conduct in public life. She did not need a pledge to behave that way. Before entering Parliament she cared for people as a nurse and midwife, and she has carried that same decency into public life. She listens and treats people with respect, and colleagues from every party regard her highly.
That the first MP to stand with us in support of a kinder and more respectful politics should now become the victim of such a horrendous attack is heartbreaking. It is also a stark reminder that compassion and civility in public life are not abstract ideals. They matter profoundly.
Compassion has never been more important. We can disagree strongly on policy, and in a democracy we should. But disagreement must never become hostility, and hostility must never become violence. Every one of us, including leaders, media and citizens, shapes the tone of our public life. This is a reminder to choose kindness and respect, online and in person.
