Steggall and Ryan say Angus Taylor’s tribute to Helen Haines ignored the link between rhetoric and violence
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Independent MPs Zali Steggall and Monique Ryan criticised opposition leader Angus Taylor for failing to acknowledge the impact of parliamentary language after the alleged attack on independent MP Helen Haines.
Independent MP Zali Steggall said she was disappointed by Angus Taylor’s tribute to Helen Haines, arguing that the opposition leader did not recognise the connection between political debate and community violence. Steggall told reporters that “there is a link between our words and actions” and urged politicians to take responsibility for the impact of their language beyond the parliament chamber.
Monique Ryan echoed the criticism, describing Taylor’s comments as “tone-deaf” and “hugely disappointing.” Ryan said leaders must listen to security experts who link political rhetoric to rising aggression and stressed that “if we can’t rise to the occasion now after something as unthinkable as what happened to Helen, we’ll never do that.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and other officials also offered support to Haines, while the House of Representatives proceeded with question time under a somber atmosphere following the alleged attack.