Australia's parliament pauses to honour MP Helen Haines who lost both legs in alleged attack, PM calls shock 'like a stone in our hearts'

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has led tributes to independent MP Helen Haines, a week after the Indi MP was allegedly the target of an attack outside her electorate office. Federal parliament paused on Monday for speeches about Haines, as she remained in a serious but stable condition in Melbourne's Alfred hospital.

Parliament also spoke about her husband, Phil, and her staff.

Haines has lost both of her legs as a result of the alleged ramming attack, for which a 43-year-old man has been charged. The motivation for the incident is unknown and continues to be investigated.

The prime minister told parliament that the shock from the alleged attack was 'like a stone in our hearts'. He praised the independent as 'a fighter' with a deep love of her community.

The episode has created debate about the safety of MPs and the state of the political environment. But opposition leader Angus Taylor and One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce have rejected calls for a change in parliamentary practice to cool Australia's political debate.

'In the past week, it has been suggested by some there is a causal connection between robust parliamentary debate and political violence,' Taylor said. 'I disagree with this view.' He said the Westminster system is about settling differences through robust and rigorous debate, not violence.

Taylor said judges should 'come down harder' on people found guilty of intimidation or violence. Joyce told News24 his thoughts and prayers remained with Haines and her family, calling the alleged attack 'so unAustralian'.

Albanese called on politicians and voters not to shrug off the 'very real rise in anger that distorts and corrodes our public discourse'. He said, enabled by the anonymity and speed afforded by social media, rage and aggression are increasing, not just in politics, but towards workers in hospitality and retail, in schools and in hospitals, towards police, paramedics, and other officials.

MPs are being encouraged to sign on to a civility pledge this week, promising to act with honesty, respect, and compassion. The speaker, Milton Dick, told parliament all MPs were thinking of Haines and praying for her recovery.