Live: MPs urged to 'let light win over darkness' as politicians speak on Helen Haines

As parliament returns without Helen Haines, federal MPs are encouraged to sign a civility pledge that the independent MP backed. Follow live.

Follow all the updates in our live blog.

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Mon 26 Oct 2026 at 7:17amMon 26 Oct 2026 at 7:17am

Crossbench MP to join Haines in signing civility pledge

By Courtney Gould

Independent MP Kate Chaney joined the ABC's Radio National Breakfast this morning.

She was wearing an orange blazer with a cockatoo broach on her lapel as a gesture of support for independent MP Helen Haines. 

Federal MPs are being asked to sign a civility pledge. Haines was the first to sign it two months ago.

Chaney says she'll be adding her name to the list.

"This is very much an optional thing. There's no pressure on MPs to do this. I think there's something really symbolic about the fact that Helen was the only federal MP to have signed this, the first.

"It is a very simple things. It just says: in my political life, I pledge to act with honesty, respect, and compassion.

"And that feels to me like a simple and poignant way to honour the contribution Helen's made to the parliament and continue to try to embody those values that she personifies in the way that I do my work in parliament."-

Mon 26 Oct 2026 at 7:03amMon 26 Oct 2026 at 7:03am

Security increased as parliament returns to Canberra without Helen Haines

By Holly Tregenza

Parliament returns today with one of its most respected members missing, as MPs reconvene in Canberra without Helen Haines.

Security has been strengthened at Parliament House after a car struck the independent MP outside her Wangaratta electorate office in what police are treating as a deliberate attack.

The 65-year-old mother of three, admired across the political divide for her integrity, has had both legs amputated after suffering severe injuries to her lower body.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is expected to move a motion in the House of Representatives that would set aside much of the day for MPs to offer messages of support.

Haines's seat will be empty at Question Time, with fellow crossbenchers pledging to carry forward her leadership example as parliament grapples with ways to approach security in their respective communities.

Mon 26 Oct 2026 at 6:43amMon 26 Oct 2026 at 6:43am

Good morning 👋

By Courtney Gould

Hello friends. Welcome to our politics live blog. I'm Courtney Gould from the ABC's Parliament House team, here to guide you through the day.

MPs have returned to Canberra for another sitting week. Things will look a little different today in the lower house as the prime minister is expected to move a motion in the House of Representatives that would set aside much of the day for MPs to offer messages of support.

Meanwhile, bureaucrats and senators are lining up for another round of budget estimates.

Grab a cup of coffee and get settled in. Let's get blogging.