Australian MP Helen Haines' first thoughts were for her staff after the car-ramming that cost her both legs, parliament hears
Helen Haines and her husband Phil Haines, who said "the good news in all this is that she's alive" after surgeons were unable to save either of the Australian MP's legs following an alleged car ramming.
Fellow independent Allegra Spender told MPs that Haines woke from surgery asking after her staff and thanking first responders, nurses and bystanders. Phil, her husband of 40 years, watched from the gallery as Australia's parliament resumed under tighter security. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese warned of a 'rising tide of rage'. Brendan Nugent, 43, is charged with intentionally causing serious injury.
The attack involved an SUV striking Haines on two separate occasions outside her electorate office in Wangaratta, Victoria.
Zali Steggall placed an orange cockatoo cut-out on her empty seat.
Police chief Krissy Barrett says threats against women MPs are more 'personalised'.
