‘A heap of hypocrisy’: Why Allegra Spender says the Helen Haines attack must change politics
Oct 22, 2026 •
You can see it in the drawn faces of the politicians lining up to speak about Helen Haines this week – Canberra has been shaken to its core.
ASIO and the Australian Federal Police have been liaising with parliamentarians – some of whom say they no longer feel safe after the alleged attack, which left the beloved Victorian independent fighting for her life.
But some of the same politicians offering their condolences have been responsible for the increasingly ugly, even violent, rhetoric on the floor of parliament – their words contributing to the very environment that’s made them feel unsafe.
Today, Independent MP Allegra Spender on her own experience, the hypocrisy in parliament, and why she’s calling for change – regardless of what the driver’s motivations are found to be.
If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.
‘A heap of hypocrisy’: Why Allegra Spender says the Helen Haines attack must change politics
2084 • Oct 22, 2026
‘A heap of hypocrisy’: Why Allegra Spender says the Helen Haines attack must change politics
You can see it in the drawn faces of the politicians lining up to speak about Helen Haines this week – Canberra has been shaken to its core.
ASIO and the Australian Federal Police have been liaising with parliamentarians – some of whom say they no longer feel safe after the alleged attack, which left the beloved Victorian independent fighting for her life.
But some of the same politicians offering their condolences have been responsible for the increasingly ugly, even violent, rhetoric on the floor of parliament – their words contributing to the very environment that’s made them feel unsafe.
Today, Independent MP Allegra Spender on her own experience, the hypocrisy in parliament, and why she’s calling for change – regardless of what the driver’s motivations are found to be.
If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.
Guest: Independent MP Allegra Spender
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