When the member for Jagajaga and I were in Wangaratta, Helen sent me a text saying she'd heard a rumour we were passing through the queendom of Indi and inviting us to her home. When my office was set alight, Helen sent me a text saying that she was thinking of me and my team. When Bondi felt terror, Helen sent me a message saying she sent love and solidarity to me and the entire Jewish community. When my partner, Georgie, wrote a piece about the abuse towards women in politics titled 'I face sexist abuse every day as a female MP – misogyny is unacceptable whatever side of the aisle we're on', Helen sent me a message of her thanks to Georgie for her excellent piece. Helen knows the way that we talk to each other is also a reflection of how women and girls around the country are spoken to.

Helen is the standard of civility, thoughtfulness and empathy that is the example of how our democracy should be. It is impossible to make sense of what has happened to Helen or how a person who has only put kindness and care out to the world for 65 years could have something so heartless and cruel happen to her. But what does make sense is what happened immediately after. Neighbours rushed to Helen's rescue. Staff tended to their beloved boss. First responders and healthcare workers expertly treated Helen's wounds. Her community came together to comfort each other and show their appreciation for their champion. A country held their breath and paused to think of a person so worthy of sitting in the precious House of Representatives. Her life partner and best friend, Phil, showed the country the grace and wisdom that Helen loves deeply in the hour that we all needed.

To spend time with Helen Haines in her community is to see what representation is meant to be. Helen does not need to be here, but she chooses to use her fierce intellect and her empathy to improve the lot of the community that she so deeply cares for. If you look at the causes that Helen champions, they give us an insight into what Dr Haines sees. In her first term, she sought support for regional communities to share the economic benefits of the energy transition. Helen tirelessly campaigned for improvements to regional health care and mental health care. Helen helped shape, and still oversees the operation of, the National Anti-Corruption Commission. Helen wanted people to know that the regions give so much to the country, but too often miss out on the spoils. Helen wanted the same care for her community that she knows is available in the city. Helen Haines knows that the way government and politics conducts itself in this place needs institutions that still build trust in our democracy.

To meet this moment, it is best to look at Helen. We need to see the economic struggles of our communities. We need to see that our communities receive the care that every one of us needs. We need to conduct ourselves as the leaders our communities deserve. We need to ensure not just that women and girls are safe, which they are not, but also that they have the confidence to take their place in public life, in hospitals or in businesses; to walk on our streets; or to just get things out of their cars. This place needs people like Helen, and I want my daughters to be able to see an example of strength, empathy and intellect in public life. I look forward to when they see you, Helen, return to your rightful place in this chamber as the member for the queendom of Indi.