Helen Haines, the independent member for Indi in northeast Victoria, recently marked several personal milestones while reflecting on her unique role in Australian politics. Having celebrated her 65th birthday and approaching her 40th wedding anniversary with husband Phil Haines, she has combined a longstanding commitment to family with a distinctive parliamentary career.
Dr Haines entered federal parliament in 2019, succeeding fellow independent Cathy McGowan in representing Indi. This succession marked a first in Australian federal history, as it was the inaugural occasion that one independent replaced another in the same seat. The electorate of Indi spans a diverse region bordering New South Wales and approaches the outskirts of Melbourne.
Born and raised on a dairy farm in Eurack, southwest Victoria, Dr Haines grew up in a large family with her parents and four brothers. Before her political career, she spent about 30 years working in rural healthcare, encompassing roles as a nurse, midwife, academic researcher, administrator, and director of not-for-profit organisations. Her medical background, which includes a PhD in medical sciences, informed much of her public service. She has highlighted her involvement as a foundation member of one of Australia’s longest-running rural midwifery caseload practices at Northeast Health Wangaratta.
Throughout her time in parliament, Dr Haines has focused on issues central to her community’s wellbeing, including lowering the cost of living, advocating for aged care support, improving housing access, and advancing environmental protection. She has been a strong supporter of measures promoting clean energy and agricultural sustainability, including backing Labor’s home battery subsidy program to reduce household energy expenses.
Dr Haines has also drawn attention for her efforts to enhance political integrity, championing the establishment of a National Anti-Corruption Commission. She has positioned herself as a critic of corruption and pork-barrelling, emphasizing transparency and ethical governance.
In parliament, Dr Haines has acknowledged the trailblazing role of Cathy McGowan, highlighting how the independent movement in Indi was initially dismissed as a fleeting phenomenon. She described her succession as a historic milestone — the first successful handover from one independent MP to another — and expressed her commitment to maintaining this precedent with diligence and kindness.
A mother of three, Dr Haines has often spoken of her family as a source of strength and inspiration. In her maiden parliamentary speech, she emphasized the fierce love of parents and encouraged her children to use their talents wisely. Reflecting on her personal and political journey, she has described her life as fortunate, anchored by enduring support from her husband and family.