Regions vulnerable to climate change: MP

The new independent MP for the seat of Indi, Helen Haines, has vowed to tackle the “big issues” while in parliament.

Independent member for Indi Helen Haines delivers her first speech in the House of Representatives at Parliament House in Canberra, yesterday. Picture: AAP

The new independent MP for the Victorian seat of Indi, Helen ­Haines, has vowed to tackle the “big issues” while in parliament, including climate change, rural health and the ending of indefinite detention of asylum-seekers.

Delivering her maiden speech in the lower house yesterday, the former midwife, who made history when she became the first independent candidate to succeed another independent, promised to be a passionate advocate for regional Australia — an area she said was “particularly vulnerable to the ­impact of climate change”.

“The evidence is clear that we are facing a climate change crisis,” she said. “We are also presented with a once-in-a-generation opportunity for regional Australia to lead the way in the development of ­renewable energy and to prosper from new economic opportunities.”

A buoyant crowd of supporters, wearing hints of orange, sat in the public gallery to hear the speech, having travelled from Victoria’s northeast for the occasion.

Dr Haines, who replaced Cathy McGowan in the seat, had a dig at Scott Morrison for praising “quiet Australians”, who he thanked for his surprise election win.

“Some have spoken of the ‘quiet Australians’ post this most recent election,” she said. “I speak from an electorate who chose not to be quiet. They chose to use their voice, not to drown out the voices of others, but to hear the voices of others.”

She paid tribute to her well-­organised group of volunteers that staffed 68 booths across Indi on election day.

Dr Haines, who was among a group of seven crossbenchers on Wednesday calling for a national ­integrity commission, said she was concerned with an alarming loss of trust in institutions, including federal parliament.

“I will advocate strongly in this place for a robust federal integrity commission,” she said. “Such a commission can help restore the trust that so many Australians have lost in their elected representatives.”

Dr Haines said she would focus on improving health in regional Australia and access to mental health services. She also wanted the government to raise the rate of Newstart and to ensure the National Disability Insurance Scheme could reach its full potential.