Angus Taylor criticised for ‘tone deaf’ response to alleged attack on Helen Haines

Angus Taylor has been criticised for his response to the alleged attack on Helen Haines, with crossbenchers Monique Ryan and Zali Steggall labelling a speech by the opposition leader “tone deaf” and saying he did not “read the room”.

Speaking in the House of Representatives, Taylor expressed deep sadness and distress, describing the incident outside her electorate office as a “horrendous” and “shocking day for our nation.” He noted that “Helen Haines epitomises civility, and that’s why the violent attack on her seems so unfathomable.” Taylor also explicitly denied a causal connection between the aggressive tone of federal politics and acts of violence, stating it is “foolish to think if question time changes, Australia changes.”

However, most MPs find his remarks very insensitive; independent Warringah MP Steggall said she was personally disappointed by Taylor’s speech and considers it rather tone-deaf. Greens Leader David Shoebridge also accused Taylor of “trying to craft a narrative out of the tragedy” for political gain, calling the inclusion of unrelated cultural issues “deeply, deeply inappropriate.”