Independent federal MP Helen Haines had both legs amputated after she was involved in an alleged attack outside her electoral office on Monday.

3AW Mornings host Tom Elliott questioned why it took an attack on a federal MP for politicians across the country to realise how much of a problem violence and crime were in Australia.

Press PLAY to hear him explain why he is frustrated by the political reaction to the Helen Haines attack

“They downplay crime in the suburbs when it happens to ordinary people. It’s only when it happens to one of them that the penny finally drops,” he said.

Press PLAY to hear thoughts from former police detective Charlie Bezzina

Images: Supplied, Nine