The Accountability Round Table is shocked and appalled by the alleged attack on Independent Member for Indi Dr Helen Haines outside her electorate office in Wangaratta.
Our thoughts are with Dr Haines, her family, her staff and the Indi community. We hope for her recovery and send our care and thoughts to Dr Haines and her family.
Violence of any kind against any elected representative is unacceptable. MPs must be able to serve their communities and open their office doors without fear.
Dr Haines is a fierce advocate for public integrity, widely respected across the parliament and a dedicated local MP. She has consistently shown that politics can be robust without being hostile.
Her example is one all who participate in public life should follow. When those with influence in public life consistently choose integrity and respect and insist upon it at every level, our democracy benefits.
