Alastair Campbell, the former communications director for Tony Blair, has called on Australia’s political class to “re-win the argument for democratic politics” in the wake of the attack on independent MP Helen Haines.
More than a week after Haines was allegedly targeted outside her electorate office in northern Victoria — an incident that resulted in her losing both legs — Campbell said the country risked following the UK’s example, where he argued that temporary outrage after attacks on MPs did not produce lasting changes in political culture.
Campbell told audiences that, in the United Kingdom, attacks on Members of Parliament prompted a brief period of reflection but were soon followed by a return to polarised and overheated rhetoric. He urged Australian politicians to ensure that public debate better reflected Haines’s own approach to politics rather than descending into vitriol.
The intervention from a prominent UK political figure underscores wider concern about the tone of public life and the responsibilities of political leaders. Campbell framed his remarks as a call for sustained effort by parties and commentators to reduce inflammatory language and to reinforce democratic norms.
He emphasised that rebuilding a healthier political environment would require more than momentary statements of concern, asking politicians to commit to long-term changes in both rhetoric and behaviour. The comments come as national attention remains focused on the circumstances and consequences of the attack on the independent MP.