Albanese does not deny or apologise for document about Helen Haines circulated by his office

Two media groups have reported on the document. The Prime Minister praised Ms Haines as a good local member.

Confirmed

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has not denied or apologised for a document about independent MP Helen Haines. Daily Mail Australia and News Corp reported the document was circulated by his office. News Corp has published it. Asked about it on Wednesday, Mr Albanese did not deny his office created it, news.com.au reported. He also did not apologise or explain further. "Helen Haines is a good local member," he said. "She put forward applications like other members do for grants, and that's what good local members do." The outlet said the file's hidden details, called metadata, "doesn't conclusively show who wrote it". Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said he wasn't aware of the document. He said it wasn't the time to point fingers. One Nation leader Pauline Hanson said: "I'll tell the PM, you tone it down." Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce said: "If you want to take the temperature down, why on Earth are you circulating something like that?" It is not yet known who wrote the document. The Prime Minister's office has not made a formal statement.