Today’s attack on MP Helen Haines

[Starlia]

It is being reported she was struck intentionally outside her office and has been critically injured.
ABC reporting here

I hope it’s not an act of political violence but I fear that it might be.

Should have been charged with attempted murder imo.

Incomprehensible. Just so awful. And the violence these men use is just horrendous. Similar to Ann Widdecombe perpetrator.

I am absolutely horrified by the news about Helen HaHaines. Completely devastating and heartbreaking.

It really feels like men's violence towards women—especially those in the public eye—is escalating at an alarming rate. The level of hostility, rage, and targeted aggression directed at female public figures is terrifying, and it feels like a deeply worrying trend that we aren't doing enough to stop.

My heart goes out to Helen and her family. I hope she can feel the wave of support behind her as she begins what will undoubtedly be a very long and difficult recovery.

And yes, seems like the same type of rage filled man who killed Ann.

just awful,
we have had 3 politicians or ex politicians murdered
so worrying

i heard that also
dreadful

Very upsetting indeed. That poor woman. 😢

What’s a cooker, in this context?

I was trying to understand his reasoning behind what he did but there doesn't seem to be any real strong reason why he would attack her other than the personal angle. She seems a remarkable woman and caring from what I've been reading.

In Australian political slang, a "cooker" is a derogatory term used to describe a conspiracy theorist or anti-government extremist.

The term originates from the older Aussie slang word "cooked"—which traditionally described someone whose brain had been fried or ruined by heavy, long-term drug use (specifically methamphetamines).

However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the slang evolved. It was adopted more broadly to describe individuals whose minds have been seemingly "overcooked" by internet conspiracy theories, intense anti-establishment rage, and fringe political beliefs.

I’m angry, very angry, that men who threaten strangers with hammers are still out and about and able to run someone over. Why aren’t we taking threats of violence more seriously? It should be an absolute social anathema.

@CarbonelKitten Excellent description of cooker.

I’m sure he’ll be charged with crimes against Helen Haines. They’ll be taking their time to get rock solid evidence that he can’t escape from, and that should get him denied bail until trial. For now he’s charged with easily proved offences so they’ve got a way to hold him or keep a closer eye on him.

No doubt that the police will be needing medical reports that are evolving and being added to daily. They probably want to speak to Haines herself once she’s well enough.

For now with the Australian Federal Police, ASIO, anti-terrorism investigations etc all being triggered he’s not going anywhere.

This sort of attack on a politician is just so bloody unAustralian. Tell a politician to get fucked, call them a wanker, arsehole or cunt, or at the most crack on egg on their head (Eggboy, the hero we all found hilarious). Actual physical harm and in this case life altering injuries that have almost killed her? GTFO of here with that shit. We don’t do that here.

We don’t want any of that here either. It’s horrendous.

Can't link here but the depressing ticker is at australianfemicidewatch.org.