I feel an intense sadness over this attack. My tears are not just for the gold-hearted Haines
The headline, as it mutated - 4 wordings
- 19 Oct, 23:00I feel an intense sadness over this attack. My tears are not just for the gold-hearted Haines1 outlet
- 22 Oct, 09:30Grattan on Friday: Politics reflects society, and our society is in poor shape on many fronts7 outlets
- 23 Oct, 18:30It's OK to disagree, but we need to do it with respect for democracy's sake3 outlets
- 24 Oct, 18:30What happened to Helen Haines seemed unthinkable. It's a warning we can't ignore2 outlets
- and 4 one-off wordings
What it is about
Who published it, and when
How it spread - 9 original reports, 8 reprints
Mon, 19 October 2026
1 report- easternriverinachronicle.com.au23:00first to report
The violent consequences of a toxic political environment.
Thu, 22 October 2026
3 reports- theage.com.au08:30
It has become terribly clear that online anonymity helps many write or say things they’d never record if they knew they could be identified.
- theconversation.com09:30
As the national political conversation descended into fear and loathing after the attack on Helen Haines, two politicians stepped back from instances of offensive behaviour.
- bordermail.com.au22:19
Our society is in poor shape on many fronts.
5 reprints
- macleayargus.com.au22 Oct, 22:19their copy
- northerndailyleader.com.au22 Oct, 22:19their copy
- cootamundraherald.com.au22 Oct, 22:19their copy
- inverelltimes.com.au22 Oct, 22:19their copy
- bluemountainsgazette.com.au22 Oct, 22:19their copy
Fri, 23 October 2026
2 reports- dungogchronicle.com.au17:00
Letters: 'We currently have exhausted and scared leadership, offering bandaid solutions.'
- goulburnpost.com.au18:30
Empathy and decency still matter in politics. This week proved it.
2 reprints
- lithgowmercury.com.au23 Oct, 18:30their copy
- dungogchronicle.com.au23 Oct, 18:30their copy
Sat, 24 October 2026
3 reports- ABC News (Australia)00:58
The attack on federal MP Helen Haines has Australians contemplating the state of our public and political discourse. Experts explain how to respectfully disagree with someone.
- areanews.com.au18:30
Our response needs to go beyond empty political promises.
1 reprint
- canberratimes.com.au24 Oct, 18:30their copy
- yourdemocracy.net.au23:45
You’ve heard many tributes to Helen Haines. You’re about to hear many more. Don’t be fooled. Australia is on the brink of missing the moment. If so, nothing significant will change. We’d not be returning to business as usual.