As the national political conversation descended into fear and loathing after Monday’s horrific attack on Helen Haines, two federal parliamentarians had the political nous, or good grace, to step back from instances of offensive behaviour.
Liberal frontbencher Angie Bell, who last week said in parliament that Small Business Minister Anne Aly, a Muslim, and Anthony Albanese should be “stoned in the square” – a line she had to withdraw on the day – referred on Wednesday to her “regrettable comment”.
