It is indeed difficult to put into words the concern and sadness that we have all felt since last Monday for our very special colleague the member for Indi. My thoughts and prayers since last Monday have been with Helen, her family, her staff and, of course, her community that she loves so deeply.

Helen was one of the first members I met when we entered this place together in 2019 as classmates. She is someone I have come to know not just as a colleague but as a friend. We do not always agree on everything—that's true—but I've always valued the respect that we share and the genuine conversations we've had along the way. We chat in the hallways and in the chamber, check in on each other from time to time, share dinners and common policy interests and have even travelled together on a parliamentary delegation, as so many other members have outlined.

It is through those moments away from the public spotlight that you get to know the person behind the politician, and Helen is truly a special person. She's compassionate, intelligent, witty and, above all, kind. She is one of the kindest people I've had the privilege of meeting in this place. She has a warmth about her that is genuine and a goodness in her character that those who know her can see alive in her. Helen approaches her work with extraordinary care and dedication. She takes the time to understand legislation. She considers the arguments very carefully and makes decisions based on what she believes is right for her community. She takes her responsibility to the people of Indi very seriously, and that commitment is something that I've always respected in Helen.

Today, we are sadly reminded that, beyond our roles in this building, we are all people. We are mothers, fathers, husbands, wives, friends and loved ones. We do feel sad for Helen and her family. We all have people who care deeply about us and who want nothing more than to see all of us safe and well. My heart goes out to Helen's husband, Phil, who we saw this morning in Parliament House. It was good to hear from him directly about Helen's condition. Our hearts are with her family and everyone closest to her. I can only imagine how difficult and how frightening this time has been for her, her family, her friends and her community. They too are living through something no family should ever have to experience, and I hope they feel the love and support that surrounds them. That is certainly what Phil outlined this morning in his speech.

To Helen's staff, who work alongside her and care about her deeply, and to the people of Indi, who have entrusted her with the privilege of representing them—the privilege that we all have in this place—please know that you are also in our thoughts. We send our love and our prayers to Helen and everyone who is walking this difficult road with her and everyone who's caring for her at this time.

No Australian should ever have to endure violence or intimidation simply for going about their work. We may disagree passionately in this country, and that is part of our democracy, but we must never lose sight of our shared humanity. There is no place for violence in our community, whatever the circumstances.

This week has given all of us a reason to pause, to reflect and to remember the importance of looking after one another. So many Australians are carrying burdens that we cannot see, and so many Australians are carrying mental health burdens. Kindness matters. Checking in on someone matters. Making time for one another really matters. If there's anything we can take from this terrible week, I hope it's a renewed commitment to compassion, to understanding and to the wellbeing of every Australian. Helen has shown those qualities in spades throughout her time in this parliament. She treats people with decency and with respect and she brings kindness into a place where the demands of public life can sometimes make us forget just how much that matters.

Helen, I want you to know that you are valued, you are cared for and you are not alone. On behalf of the good people of Moncrieff on the Gold Coast, we send you our love and all of our support. We send our love to Phil, your family, your friends and everyone who's holding you close in their hearts. We'll continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers as you face the long road ahead. We hope you feel the strength of the many people who are wishing you well and that, in the difficult days ahead, you are surrounded by comfort, love and the very best care.

Helen, you are a dear friend, a wonderful person and an outstanding Australian. You mean a great deal to so many people, and we'll continue to stand beside you and your family in the weeks and months ahead until we see you again in this chamber.