Orange cockatoo tribute on Haines’ seat
Crossbench MPs will honour Helen Haines today. They will place an orange cockatoo sign on her seat in the lower house. This is a symbolic gesture from her independent colleagues. It is part of a collective tribute. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and other MPs will send recovery wishes. Haines is in a critical but stable condition in a Melbourne hospital. The orange cockatoo became her personal symbol. She explained in 2024 that it emerged after volunteers wore orange shirts. They acted „like a flock of cockatoos”. Haines wrote that this symbolism grew to represent a community building a vibrant democracy. Volunteers made cockatoos from old garden benches. They injected fun, intrigue and discussion into independent campaigns in Indi.
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Prime Minister Weighs In on Economic ImpactHaines’ condition and the civility pledge
Haines is in a critical but stable state in a Melbourne hospital. She lost both legs after an alleged attack near her electorate office in north-east Victoria last week. Her husband, Phil Haines, gave an update from Alfred Hospital on Wednesday. He said her „heart and mind are in good shape”. Phil is expected at parliament today. Haines was the first federal politician to sign a civility pledge. This is part of the „Compassion in Politics” movement. It aims for more respectful politics. Crossbench MPs will sign this simple pledge today. They will encourage others to do the same.
Anonymous online voices inflame political discourse
Liberal MP Dan Tehan raised concerns about anonymous online accounts. He spoke on ABC Radio National. He said: „The problem we face now is anonymous online voices. I am a big supporter of freedom of expression. But I have always believed strongly that you must put your name on your words. That is the key. In communities, those who disagree tend to do so with respect. What you tend to see online are people who are there, anonymous, who will do and say anything. If that escalates, I don’t know, but ... it is always a balancing act.”
General auditor probes police cell detention
The General Auditor is investigating if detention in police cells breaches human rights. The Victorian Auditor-General’s Office confirmed it will examine if Victoria Police and the Department of Justice „manage prison and police cell capacity to uphold human rights and effective justice system operations”. The Guardian Australia reported last November that „decanting” moved people hundreds of kilometres across Victoria. The government struggled with stricter bail laws and a shortage of prison beds and corrections staff. This meant people spent more than the 14-day target in police cells. In some cases, they served their full sentence there.
Police cells meant for short stays
Police cells are designed for short-term holding. This includes post-arrest and bail hearings. However, 2025 media reports said police held detainees beyond the recommended 14-day limit. When one station’s cells fill up, police transport individuals to other stations. In some reported cases, police moved individuals hundreds of kilometres away. This can mean detainees miss court appearances. They also lack easy access to lawyers and health services. This undermines detainees’ human rights and the justice system’s proper functioning. The Auditor-General noted that recent Victorian bail reforms will likely add pressure on prison beds and staff capacity. A statement to the Guardian Australia said the audit is underway. It is expected to be presented early next year.
Security threats have changed ‘dramatically’, says Butler
Cabinet Minister Mark Butler said this week’s sitting offers a chance to discuss keeping MPs, their families and staff safe. Asked on ABC Radio National if much has changed during his time in parliament, Butler replied: „It has changed dramatically during my time. I have been here for nearly 20 years and security has changed. Federal police, from my experience, have been very, very responsive to our requests when there are threats or the possibility of attending an event. But the number and nature of threats of violence and death, not just to MPs but also to their children, partners and staff, is unlike anything I saw 20 years ago.”
MPs to sign ‘civility pledge’
MPs will sign the „civility pledge” following the alleged attack on Haines. Speaker Milton Dick will call for civility in parliament today. Some politicians are expected to sign the pledge. Independent MP Helen Haines was the first to sign it before the attack last week. Her independent colleague, Kate Chaney, said on ABC Radio on Tuesday that she will add her name. She said: „I think there is something truly symbolic in the fact that Helen was [the first] federal MP to sign this. It is a very simple piece of work. It just says: ‘In my political life, I commit to acting with honesty, respect and compassion’. This seems like a simple and moving way to honour the contribution Helen made to parliament.”
