Wading through the confusing set of factors that may have led to the Haines incident, Anthony Albanese has put the spotlight on the modern media.

Governor-General Sam Mostyn, who stood next to Phil Haines at the Alfred hospital in Melbourne, said the attack on the sitting MP “must be a moment for us to pause and to choose to be better”.

After the attack on Helen Haines, Australia’s political class faces a test of its ability to respond maturely and act firmly.