Helen Haines's offices reopen after attack that shocked nation

The doors of Helen Haines's offices at Wodonga and Wangaratta will reopen today as the nation continues to reel from the attack that led to the independent MP losing both her legs.Ms Haines's team, members of which rushed to her aid after witnessing the incident, said the offices would be reopened to support the community."Thank you to everyone who continues to show such care and support for Helen, her family and our team," a statement said."As Helen's team, we want to let you know how her electorate offices will operate in the weeks ahead, so we can continue supporting constituents with Commonwealth matters."Helen Haines' office in Wangaratta will reopen today. (ABC News: Annie Brown)The offices will be open three days a week for the remainder of the year and staff will be available via email on other days.The team also reminded constituents it would not be providing updates on her health or circumstances and asked that her privacy be respected."Thank you for your patience, kindness and understanding as we navigate the weeks ahead," the statement said.A Helen Haines corflute in Tarrawingee. (ABC News: Annie Brown)Serving the communityUniversity of Canberra School of Government head Simon Jackman applauded the staff's effort under such difficult circumstances."I thought it was particularly noteworthy that her staff, in shock themselves, when the incident happened just outside the electorate office … were at great pains to say, 'We are going to work on getting the office open as soon as possible,'" he said.Ms Haines is in a serious but stable condition and will continue to hold the seat of Indi.On Monday parliament passed a motion from Leader of the House Tony Burke to grant her a leave of absence until November 26, the last sitting day of the year.A member with a leave of absence is excused from the service of the house or any committee responsibilities.Parliamentarians paid their respects to Helen Haines on Monday. (ABC News: Matt Roberts)There is no limit on how much leave an MP can take. That remains at the discretion of the House.A by-election is triggered whenever a vacancy occurs in the house because of death, resignation, absence without leave, expulsion, or disqualification or ineligibility of a member.Under the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act Section 38 "the place of a member shall become vacant if for two consecutive months of any session of the Parliament he, without the permission of the House, fails to attend the House".Professor Jackman expected parliament would continue to grant Ms Haines leave."I think the outpouring of sympathy you are seeing and the horrific circumstances of what happened to Helen Haines means that such leave would be granted without question and, indeed, I think extended as long as needs be," he said.