In one of the darkest days of Australian politics, the Helen Haines tragedy confirmed what many feared was only a matter of time

The tragedy that unfolded in Wangaratta has overshadowed Helen Haine’s work on both the National Anti-Corruption Commission and her tireless campaigning for better rural mental health services. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP/AP

The awful tragedy that occurred in Wangaratta on Monday afternoon overshadowed a story Helen Haines cares deeply about.

Earlier that day, the attorney general announced the appointment of a new boss for the National Anti-Corruption Commission (Nacc), hopefully signalling an end to what has been a difficult foundational period for the watchdog. Haines was the one who forced the establishment of the Nacc on to the political agenda and helped craft its design and oversight.