Australian lawmaker Helen Haines remained in a serious but stable condition in hospital after being hit by a vehicle in Wangaratta. (EPA Images pic)SYDNEY: Australia's prime minister and fellow parliamentarians led sombre tributes Monday to "beacon of decency" and colleague Helen Haines, who remains in hospital after being struck by a car outside her office a week ago.
A widely liked independent lawmaker known for campaigning against corruption and for action on climate change, the alleged attack on Haines has prompted soul-searching in a country where political violence is rare.
Prime minister Anthony Albanese pointed to her empty seat while paying tribute to the lawmaker's "empathy, kindness and compassion" as Australia's parliament met for the first time since the incident.
