Usually fiery opponents have put aside their political differences to stand together in support of Independent MP Helen Haines as she fights for life after a brutal alleged attack.

Haines was critically injured when she was hit twice by a Toyota LandCruiser outside her electorate office in Wangaratta, Victoria, on Monday afternoon.

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The 65-year-old lost one leg and remains in a critical condition in hospital after what Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described as a “deliberate attack”.

Housing Minister Clare O’Neil and Nationals Senate leader Bridget McKenzie — who regularly clash over policy during their weekly Sunrise appearances — on Wednesday delivered a united message of support for Haines and her family.

They also warned against the growing hostility toward politicians.

On Sunrise, O’Neil was visibly upset as she described Haines as a “incredible human being”.

“I know there’s lots to talk about but important to remember that Helen Haines is still fighting for her life in hospital after what is an unprecedented, (allegedly) vicious, brutal and violent attack on a loved and respected woman in her community,” she said.

“And I really want her family to know there are 28 million Australians today who are just wishing every positive thought towards her.”

O’Neil said Haines had a deep passion for housing and regularly brought volunteers from her electorate into her office to advocate for their community.

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“She was warm. She was beautiful. She cared for me and for my children,” she said.

“I just want her family to know that we are with you 1000 per cent and we are thinking of her and we are willing her forward.”

McKenzie echoed the sentiments, extending her support to Haines’ husband Phil and her whole family.

“I’d like to share Clare’s comments and let Phil and the family and her supporters know that I, along with millions of other Australians, are praying for her recovery and standing with them,” she said.

Calls for respectful political debate

McKenzie said the alleged attack has raised serious questions about the safety of politicians, but warned against losing the ability for elected representatives to engage directly with the people they serve.

“That’s one of the really special and beautiful things about the Australian democracy, that our MPs are out in communities, are having coffee at your local cafes, going to your school concerts, Anzac Day ceremonies, et cetera,” she said.

Housing Minister Clare O’Neil and Nationals Senate leader Bridget McKenzie unified in support of Helen Haines. Credit: Sunrise

McKenzie said Australians should be able to give politicians frank feedback without that turning into a personal or physical attack.

“I am very concerned,” she said.

“Claire will have seen the same. We’ve all been posting our love and prayers for Helen and her family online. And then you look at the comments under it and there’s these visceral attacks,” she said.

“You don’t have to like your politicians. You don’t have to agree with their policies. You don’t have to support their particular political party to show human compassion and decency in light of a tragedy such as this.”

O’Neil said the political environment had changed since she first entered public life, saying that online abuse and conspiracy theories were increasingly spilling into face-to-face interactions.

“The level of vitriol, the absolute wall of abuse that you will experience every day as any woman in public life, that is what has changed,” she said.

She said the issue didn’t just impact politicians but also paramedics, teachers, and other people working in public-facing roles experiencing similar hostility.

“Our country’s got to find a way out of this because this is not Australia. We are respectful. We are egalitarian. We are a beautiful community,” O’Neil said.

McKenzie said the response to Haines’ alleged attack should serve as a reminder that robust political debate and personal respect can co-exist.

“That is what we need to keep our eye on,” she said.

“We need to focus on the democracy and the ability to have a robust, rigorous, but respectful debate about the issues rather than denigrating into dehumanising attacks.”

The show of bipartisan unity comes as the federal government and Coalition are considering whether to strengthen security arrangements for elected representatives.

The Australian Federal Police and ASIO are scheduled to brief federal politicians on the threat environment and ways to improve their personal safety.