Australia MP Haines Wakes, Thinks of Staff First

Helen Haines, an independent member of the Australian parliament, has spoken publicly for the first time after a medical incident.

According to reports, Haines woke up and her first words showed concern for her staff and nearby bystanders, rather than for herself.

Haines represents a seat in Australia's federal parliament. She is not a member of one of the big political parties.

The news of her recovery came on the same day as a restrained question time in parliament.

Question time is a daily session where members of parliament question government ministers. It can often be loud and heated.

On this occasion, the mood in parliament was calmer than usual, partly because of concern for Haines.

Other politicians from different parties, including Labor, the Liberal party, and One Nation, are reported to have reacted to the news.

Details about the cause of Haines's medical incident have not been widely shared in the early reports.

The story is being followed as a live political update, meaning new information continues to be added as it becomes available.

Many people have expressed relief that Haines is awake and able to speak, and have praised her for thinking of others first.

Her response has been described as a sign of her character and her care for people around her, including her team and members of the public.