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

Zali Steggall and Monique Ryan say Coalition leader was wrong to deny link between parliamentary debate and political violence

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”.

Parliament returned in Canberra on Monday, a week after an alleged attack outside the Indi MP’s northern Victorian electorate office, which led to her losing both legs. A 43-year-old man has been charged and the incident continues to be investigated.