Steggall and Ryan attack Angus Taylor after tribute to Helen Haines, ignoring calls for restraint and unity
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Independent MPs Zali Steggall and Monique Ryan criticised opposition leader Angus Taylor over his tribute to Helen Haines, accusing him of missing the political implications of 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 properly acknowledge 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 think carefully about 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 sombre atmosphere following the alleged attack.