Oct 26, 2026Politics128 words1 min read

Australia MP Haines Wakes, Thinks of Staff First

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Helen Haines is a politician in Australia. She is an independent member of parliament.

Haines had a health problem. She woke up after it. Her first words were about other people.

She asked about her staff. She also asked about bystanders near her. She did not talk about herself first.

Haines works in the Australian parliament. Parliament is the place where leaders make laws.

On the same day, parliament had question time. This is when politicians ask the government questions.

The question time was quiet today. People often shout in question time. Today was different.

Many people are happy that Haines is okay. They are glad she can talk again.

Her words showed she cares about others. People think this is a kind thing to do.

Vocabulary15 words

independent: not part of a big political party
bystanders: people standing near when something happens
parliament: the place where a country's leaders make laws
question time: a part of the day when politicians ask the government questions
restrained: calm; not loud or angry
politician: a person who works in government
health problem: something wrong with your body
woke up: stopped sleeping or became conscious again
staff: people who work for someone
government: the group of people who run a country
concern: worry about someone or something
member of parliament: a person chosen to work in parliament
update: new information about something
live: happening right now
kind: caring and good to others

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1. Who is Helen Haines?

2. What did Haines ask about first after waking up?

3. How was question time described on this day?

1. A politician in Australia 2. Her staff and bystanders 3. Restrained

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Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.

Helen Haines is a politician in Australia. She is an _____ member of parliament.

Haines had a health problem. She woke up after it. Her first words were about other _____.

She asked about her _____. She also asked about _____ near her.

Haines works in the Australian _____.

On the same day, parliament had _____. This is when politicians ask the government questions.

The question time was quiet today. People often shout in question time. Today was _____.

Many people are happy that Haines is _____ again.

Her words showed she _____ about others.

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