A Cardboard Cockatoo Sits in Tribute for Helen Haines as MPs Are Urged to ‘Let Light Win Over Darkness’
A cardboard cockatoo has become a symbolic tribute to Helen Haines at Australia’s Parliament House, as MPs are urged to choose hope, compassion and unity over darkness and division.
OPINION & VOICES
A Symbolic Tribute in Australia's Parliament
An orange cardboard cockatoo occupied the parliamentary seat of Helen Haines on Monday, October 26, 2026, as Australian politicians gathered to pay tribute to the independent member for Indi following a serious attack that left her with life-changing injuries.
The unusual tribute reflected Haines's connection with her regional Victorian community and her independent approach to politics. The cockatoo, associated with her political identity, became a powerful symbol of solidarity while she remained away from Parliament.
Members of Parliament set aside their usual business to share messages of support for Haines and her family, remembering her contribution to Australian politics and the communities she represents.
A Community Advocate Known for Her Calm Leadership
Helen Haines built her political career through grassroots community support. She became the federal member for Indi after independent MP Cathy McGowan retired, continuing a tradition of community-backed representation in north-east Victoria.
Colleagues described Haines as a thoughtful and determined representative who valued cooperation, integrity and respectful debate.
Her work included advocating for regional communities, improving telecommunications resilience during natural disasters and supporting the establishment of Australia's National Anti-Corruption Commission.
Her colleagues emphasised that her contribution extended beyond individual policies. She also helped newer independent MPs understand parliamentary processes and encouraged them to represent their communities effectively.
MPs Call for More Respectful Political Debate
The parliamentary tributes also prompted calls for a change in the tone of Australian political discussion.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese warned against allowing political disagreement to become an increasingly hostile environment. Other MPs spoke about the dangers of personal attacks, harmful online commentary and growing divisions within communities.
Independent MP Zali Steggall urged colleagues to consider the consequences of polarisation and called for greater civility in Parliament, the media and online spaces.
The message was clear: robust disagreement is part of democracy, but it should not become a justification for threats, intimidation or violence.
Remembering Those Who Rushed to Help
Politicians also recognised the people who responded when Haines was attacked outside her office in Wangaratta.
Local barber Ricky Jefferies was among those praised for rushing to assist her. His actions became an example of the courage and community spirit that can emerge during a crisis.
The response highlighted the importance of people who act quickly to help others, often without considering personal risk.
Several MPs contrasted the alleged attacker's actions with the compassion shown by first responders, medical staff and local residents.
Calls for Better Mental Health Support
The incident renewed discussions about mental health services, particularly in regional and rural Australia.
Haines, a former nurse with experience in maternal health, has long advocated for better regional services. During the parliamentary tributes, MPs called for renewed attention to mental health support and the challenges faced by people living outside major cities.
They also emphasised the need to examine how public debate, social isolation and online hostility can affect communities.
The discussion highlighted the importance of addressing these challenges without making assumptions about an individual's mental health or the causes of a specific act of violence.
A Tribute to Hope and Resilience
The phrase “let light win over darkness” became a defining message of the tributes. It reflected the determination of Haines's colleagues to respond to violence with solidarity, decency and a renewed commitment to public service.
The cardboard cockatoo offered a simple but memorable reminder of the person missing from her usual seat. It also represented the community connections that have shaped her political career.
As Parliament looks towards Haines's eventual return, her colleagues have called for a political culture in which disagreement remains vigorous but respectful, and where elected representatives can serve their communities without fear of violence.
The tribute to Helen Haines was about more than an empty parliamentary seat. It was a moment for Australian politicians to reflect on the responsibilities that come with public life and the importance of protecting democratic debate from intimidation and hostility.
Through the image of an orange cardboard cockatoo, MPs honoured Haines's contribution to her community and called for a more respectful political culture.
Their message was one of solidarity and hope: that compassion, courage and constructive disagreement should remain central to Australia's democracy.
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