MPs Attack Taylor After Tribute to Helen Haines, as Civility Row Grows
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Federal MPs criticised former Prime Minister Anthony Taylor’s tribute to Helen Haines, saying it missed the broader public mood after the alleged attack and exposed how quickly political debate can descend into grievance and point-scoring.
Federal MPs on Tuesday criticised former Prime Minister Anthony Taylor for delivering a tribute to independent MP Helen Haines that they described as tone-deaf and out of step with the mood after the alleged attack on Haines.
Independent MP Monique Ryan said the speech ignored the shock and grief felt nationwide and turned the focus to partisan debate, calling it a "poor example" for communities and an illustration of how politics can lose sight of common decency.
Liberal MP Andrew Hastier warned against personal attacks in politics, urging colleagues to "play the ball, not the person" and to avoid the kind of partisan rhetoric he linked to U.S. politics, where division too often overwhelms reason.
Other parliamentarians, including independent Allegra Spender and Greens leader David Shoebridge, signed a civility pledge in Haines's honour, pledging to act with honesty, respect and compassion and to restore some measure of trust in public life.
The Parliamentary Budget Office noted Haines as the only independent MP to have all her election commitments costed, highlighting her role in parliamentary accountability and the importance of disciplined, responsible governance.
In related news, New South Wales announced a large-scale gun buy-back program and a biosecurity lockdown in the Sydney suburb of Enfield after fire ants were found at a freight centre.