Independent ACT senator David Pocock has delivered a passionate tribute to crossbench colleague Helen Haines, describing the member for Indi as the parliamentarian Australians truly deserve during an address at the National Press Club.
Speaking before the Canberra press gallery, the ACT senator characterised Haines as "the MP we all wish we had", lauding her steady hand, deep integrity, and collaborative approach to federal governance.
According to footage reported by Guardian Australian politics, Senator Pocock appeared visibly moved as he reflected on his tenure alongside the regional Victorian MP, remarking that collaborating with her remained one of "the great privileges of serving in our parliament".
Turning directly to Haines, who was seated in the room, Pocock addressed her significant impact on the nation's political landscape.
"You make our politics in this country better," Pocock said. "That someone would deliberately hurt you, I find unfathomable."
Solidarity on the Federal Crossbench
The emotional remarks highlighted an increasingly close-knit solidarity among federal independent lawmakers, who have reshaped the dynamics of both the Senate and the House of Representatives since the 2022 federal election.
Elected on a platform centred on climate urgency, political transparency, and territory rights, Senator Pocock has often found common cause with Haines. Both parliamentarians have resisted the combative posturing common to the traditional major parties, choosing instead to negotiate amendments on industrial relations, environmental legislation, and integrity reforms.
While the crossbench comprises diverse ideological perspectives, non-aligned MPs have frequently banded together to champion institutional reform, integrity measures, and community consultation over entrenched party loyalty.
Senator Pocock's remarks come at a time of friction within the national capital, where crossbenchers must navigate intense partisan scrutiny and aggressive strategic manoeuvres from major party machines.
A Culture of Hostility Under Scrutiny
Guardian Australian politics reported on the address amid continuing debates over parliamentary conduct and the treatment of independent representatives in Canberra.
Pocock's pointed reference to deliberate harm struck a resonant chord in a building that has spent years reckoning with internal cultural reviews, allegations of bullying, and persistent toxicity.
While the former rugby union international did not elaborate during the recorded remarks on specific grievances or incidents, his public defence underscored the unique challenges facing community-backed politicians. Unlike their major party counterparts, independents operate without extensive defensive apparatuses, factional safety nets, or large party-funded media operations.
The emotional tone of Pocock’s tribute brought into sharp focus the personal toll extracted by federal politics, particularly on female independents who have challenged traditional two-party strongholds.
The Enduring Clout of Regional Independents
Haines first made political history in 2019 when she succeeded Cathy McGowan in the rural Victorian seat of Indi, becoming the first independent in Australian history to succeed an elected independent in the same electorate. She subsequently retained the seat with an increased margin in 2022.
Throughout her parliamentary career, Haines has distinguished herself through methodical policy drafting rather than theatrical chamber sparring. She was instrumental in authoring the blueprint that effectively forced the Albanese government to implement the National Anti-Corruption Commission.
Senator Pocock’s unreserved endorsement underlines the widespread respect Haines commands across the crossbench, reflecting an appetite among non-aligned politicians for civil negotiation. In holding up Haines as a standard for public service, Pocock framed the federal crossbench not merely as an obstacle to executive power, but as a crucial instrument for democratic renewal.
