I rise today to offer my thoughts and prayers to my colleague and friend, Dr Helen Haines, the member for Indi, following the horrific attack against her outside her electorate office in Wangaratta. I first got to know the member for Indi when we travelled together on a delegation to the United States. The member for Solomon, who's next to me, was also on that delegation. It was an opportunity to spend time with Helen away from the usual business of parliament, to hear about her personal story and to learn more about the experiences that shaped the person she is today. What stood out to me was just how caring Helen is. She is someone who genuinely listens to people, takes an interest in their lives and wants to make a difference. That is the person I came to know on that trip, and it is what makes this attack so difficult to comprehend.

The member for Indi was born and raised in rural Victoria and spent more than 30 years working in rural health as a nurse, midwife and researcher. She has dedicated her life to improving rural and maternal health, delivering better outcomes for people in her regional communities. Since entering this parliament, she has continued that commitment by standing up for the people of Indi with dignity, respect and a genuine desire to make their lives better. As the member for Holt, I understand that commitment. Being a local member is about more than standing up in this place and giving speeches; it is about being there for people when they need you, listening to their concerns and making sure they know someone is in their corner. I know how much that responsibility means to the member for Indi.

The member for Indi and I also share a love of baking. For me, baking is one of those simple pleasures that gives you a chance to slow down, switch off from the pressures of the day and do something for the people around you. The member for Indi shares that same passion. Even during the hectic budget week in Canberra, she found time to bake seven sponge cakes for staff and colleagues; that is no small effort. This speaks volumes about the member. In the middle of all the deadlines, the late nights and the pressures of this job, she still makes time to do something thoughtful for the people around her—and that's why what happened to her is so deeply upsetting. Someone who has spent so much of her life caring for others should never have to experience something like this herself.

This incident has highlighted the change in tone of the political discourse in our country, particularly the way women in public life are targeted. Since the pandemic, the number of threats that women in public life receive has increased dramatically. We should be able to passionately challenge each other's ideas, debate policy and hold one another to account. That is democracy. But there is a fundamental difference between disagreeing with someone and threats of violence. The words we use matter. We all have a responsibility to ensure that political disagreement never becomes an excuse for threats, intimidation or violence.

My thoughts are with the member, her family, her staff and the people of Indi. I want to thank everyone in my electorate who has sent through their kind messages following the attack. I know that the thoughts and prayers of our whole community in Holt are with you as you recover, Helen. I am praying for your recovery and I hope that, when you are ready, we will see you back in this chamber. May God be with you. Get well soon.