Helen Haines is the Independent MP for Indi, first elected in 2019 and re-elected in 2022. She made history as the first Independent to succeed another Independent in the same electorate in Australia following Cathy McGowan AO. With a background in nursing, midwifery, and rural health research, Haines has lived in North East Victoria for over 35 years and is committed to addressing key issues such as healthcare, climate change, integrity in politics, and regional development.
Helen Haines’ policy focus and achievements in Parliament:
- Integrity in Politics: Advocated for stronger anti-corruption measures and transparency in government.
- Climate Change: Championed renewable energy projects, securing over $6.8 million for local initiatives.
- Healthcare: Focused on improving rural healthcare services, including $2.5 million for a specialist mental health clinic in Albury Wodonga and $1.3 million funding for aged care services in the electorate
- Regional Development: Secured significant funding for local infrastructure, including $5.1 million for the Rutherglen Wine, Walk, Cycle Trail.
- Bushfire Recovery: Facilitated over $80 million in bushfire recovery funding for her electorate.
- Telecommunications: achieved the highest success rate in Victoria for new mobile phone towers under the federal Mobile Black Spot Program
Helen Haines has introduced several notable bills and amendments in Parliament, including:
- Australian Federal Integrity Commission Bill 2020: This bill aimed to establish a robust federal integrity commission to combat corruption and enhance transparency in government, ultimately adopted in 2022.
- Nature Positive Bills 2024: A series of bills focused on environmental protection, including the Nature Positive (Environment Protection Australia) Bill, the Nature Positive (Environment Information Australia) Bill, and the Nature Positive (Environment Law Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Bill.
- Cheaper Home Batteries Bill: proposed expanding an incentive scheme for household solar to include home batteries, aiming to reduce household power bills and promote renewable energy.
- Introduced 'Unlocking regional Housing Supply' Bill: to increase government housing funding for regional Australia, addressing the housing supply crisis in these areas.
Read more about Helen on her website