Dr Helen Haines is a woman of presence, style, intellect, empathy and compassion. Helen knows every corner, every waterway and every street in her electorate of Indi and is tirelessly committed to representing Indi and the greater good of all Australians in this federal parliament. Helen has the unique ability and the true intellect to listen and entertain the strongest argument against her own position, weigh it on its merits and still arrive at a reasoned and safe conclusion to the benefit of it all.

To Helen's husband, Phil, to Helen's family, to Helen's staff and to the beloved community of Indi, I and the constituency of Farrer extend our deepest sympathy. Helen is a fighter, and we pray for Helen's recovery. Helen is the best of us. We are with every breath of Helen's recovery.

To conclude, I'd like to leave Helen and her family with a short little Irish blessing:

May the road rise to meet you,

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

The rains fall soft upon your fields.

And until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of his hand.