# After attack on Haines, can politics turn down the heat?

> Independent MP Helen Haines was attacked this week in an incident many called predictable given Australia's increasingly hostile political climate.
- Title: After attack on Haines, can politics turn down the heat? · Abc
- Summary: Independent MP Helen Haines was attacked this week in an incident many called predictable given Australia's increasingly hostile political climate.
- Keywords: breaking, helen haines, indi, victoria, compassion in politics australia, political violence, civility pledge, sam mostyn, mike burgess, asio, news, politics
- Source: Abc — https://abc.net.au/news/2026-10-22/david-speers-helen-haines-compassion-politics/107291764
- Published: 2026-10-21T19:47:44+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: breaking, helen haines, indi, victoria, compassion in politics australia, political violence, civility pledge, sam mostyn, mike burgess, asio, news, politics
## Haines signed a civility pledge
Two months ago, independent MP Helen Haines became the first signatory to Compassion in Politics Australia's Civility Pledge, pledging to act with honesty, respect and compassion in her political life.

> In my political life, I pledge to act with honesty, respect, and compassion.
## Attack on Haines called predictable
This week Haines, who has represented Indi in north-east Victoria since two thousand nineteen, was attacked. MPs described the incident as shocking but unsurprising, with many calling it sadly predictable.
## Leaders call for civility and respect
Governor-General Sam Mostyn said from Melbourne's Alfred Hospital: we don't have to agree, but we can wrestle with the issue not the person. Words matter in spoken, written and virtual forms.

> We don't have to all agree, but we can wrestle with the issue not the person.
## ASIO links inflamed language to violence
ASIO boss Mike Burgess said the security environment would be several degrees lower if Australia recommitted to conversing with civility, debating with respect and disagreeing with restraint.

> ASIO has seen direct correlations between inflamed language, inflamed tensions and acts of violence.
## Key takeaway

Independent MP Helen Haines was attacked this week; leaders and security officials are calling for civility in politics to reduce violence.