There are moments when the business of this place must pause and we are reminded of the people behind the positions we hold. The horrific attack on the member for Indi, Helen Haines, is one of those moments. My thoughts are with Helen, her family, her staff and her community. Helen is an extraordinary woman who has dedicated so much of her life to public service. She brings wisdom, integrity and compassion to this parliament, and her contribution extends far beyond the boundaries of her electorate. I have the privilege of working closely with Helen on the Speaker's panel, where I have seen firsthand her professionalism, her generosity and her unwavering commitment to strengthening our democracy. She understands that each of us has a responsibility to uphold the institutions and democratic values that bring us here.

Helen is not only a respected colleague but a valued friend. Over the years we've come to know each other beyond the confines of this building, crossing paths while holidaying in a place that is very special to us both. Those encounters have given me the opportunity to see Helen away from the demands of public office, and they've only reinforced my admiration for her. Whether in parliament or indeed far from it, she's the same thoughtful, generous and deeply grounded person, with a genuine interest in those around her and a remarkable ability to bring people together. Her warmth, intelligence and good humour are constants, not just the qualities that she brings to this place. Those moments are real insight into a person.

I also want to acknowledge her loving husband, Phil, whose courage and dignity in recent days has moved so many Australians. No family should ever be asked to endure circumstances like these. Helen's staff also deserve our recognition. They work tirelessly to support Helen and the people of Indi and they too deserve our compassion and support now. To the people of Indi, your love and solidarity matter enormously. The way that your community has rallied together in this difficult moment is a powerful reminder that kindness can prevail even in the darkest of circumstances. I want to pass on the heartfelt good wishes of the people of Newcastle, Helen. So many Novocastrians have contacted my office and approached me personally to express their concern, support and solidarity. It's a powerful reminder that our connection to community is not only the reason we serve but also what sustains us through our most difficult moments.

We must never accept violence as an inevitable feature of public life. We must also be honest about the forces shaping our national conversation. Too often, outrage and conflict are rewarded because they generate attention and profit, yet the public interest is not served by a culture that values provocation over understanding. We need journalism that informs rather than inflames, that values context over conflict and that serves the public interest above the pursuit of clicks. Social media has amplified these challenges, often rewarding anger and division over constructive engagement. Social media companies have a responsibility to ensure their platforms are not used to spread threats, abuse or incitement.

But responsibility does not rest with the platforms alone. All of us have a role in rejecting a culture that profits from fear, outrage and division. Every member of this parliament should be able to represent their community free of fear. We must reject the false choice between robust debate and mutual respect. Democracy requires both. We can disagree passionately. We can scrutinise ideas vigorously. We can hold one another to account. But we must do so without demeaning, vilifying or threatening one another. A healthy democracy depends on contesting arguments, not attacking individuals. Respect is not a barrier for free speech. Civility is not a weakness. Compassion is compatible with conviction. What happened to Helen challenges all of us to consider what more we can do to protect our democracy and foster a kinder, more respectful Australia. Today I join with Helen and others in this place who have pledged to act with honesty, respect and compassion in our political lives. Let that commitment be part of our answer to the challenges we've witnessed in this last week.

Helen, please know that you are loved and surrounded by a parliament that cares deeply about you. You've given so much to your community and to this parliament. Now it is our turn to stand beside you. We all wish you strength, comfort and healing in the weeks ahead, and we look forward to seeing you back in this place in your seat, representing the good people of Indi.