We're speaking today about a colleague who should be here in this chamber doing her job. Instead, Dr Helen Haines is in hospital with injuries that have changed her life forever. Like so many Australians, I am deeply shocked by what happened to Helen. On behalf of the people of Lyne, I say that my heart aches for her, for Phil, for her loved ones and for her dedicated staff. While the road ahead is unimaginable in its challenges, I'm certain of her remarkable determination. I send Helen every bit of strength for the journey that lies before her.

It's deeply saddening that it's only through such a terrible act that we're here talking today about her compassion, her empathy and her unwavering kindness. I've been around this parliament since the mid-1990s, and I've seen the very best and the very worst of parliamentary behaviour. When it comes to Helen, I can absolutely say that she has been a shining example of the behaviour that we should all aspire to. I believe the greatest tribute we can pay Helen now is for this parliament to walk in her footsteps, to listen to one another and to offer each other our time, understanding and respect.

That brings me to something I've been thinking deeply about since this terrible event. Understandably, there's been considerable discussion about the safety of politicians and the risks of public life, but I want to be careful here. We politicians are not a special class of victims. Every day, police officers confront dangerous situations, paramedics attend unpredictable and sometimes violent scenes, and nurses and teachers face aggression and abuse while they're simply trying to care for people. There are many Australians who face risks far more routinely in their working lives than we do. That does not diminish the horror of what happened to Helen nor the need for sensible precautions, but we should keep some perspective. We cannot eliminate every risk from public life, and I would hate to see our response to this terrible crime fundamentally change the relationship between elected representatives and the people we serve.

In Lyne I spend a great deal of time out in towns and villages, talking with people at markets, community events, businesses and mobile offices. I put myself out there, mostly alone, where I am personally vulnerable. I would not have it any other way, and I want to thank the people of Lyne for the kindness, friendship and respect they've shown me. Even those who disagree with me vehemently have been civil and willing to talk. I treasure that enormously.

I understand why Australians are angry and frustrated. So many are working harder but feeling like they have less to show for it. They don't believe the political class has been listening to or caring about them, so they're shouting louder to be heard. Our response cannot be to tell Australians to stop being angry. Our responsibility is to listen, to take their concerns seriously and to make policy that rewards them for their effort and patriotism. In return, what should we ask of them? Not silence or concession—only that disagreement never becomes intimidation or violence. There is also something we politicians can do. We can take responsibility for how we argue our case, how we highlight our differences and how we engage with those who disagree with us. Politics is a contest of ideas, and it should be a vigorous one.

We do not yet know what motivated this appalling attack. That is for the police to determine. But it has caused many of us to reflect on the kind of political culture we want in Australia. For my part, I don't want a politics without passion. I don't want politicians frightened to speak their minds or reluctant to challenge poor decisions. I certainly don't want fear to drive elected representatives away from the communities they serve. I want a politics where we can disagree fiercely, treat each other decently and go about our work without fear. That is the standard I will strive for.

Coming back to Helen, you have endured something no person should ever have to endure. You have a long and difficult journey ahead, but you have the respect, affection and support of colleagues from right across parliament. I wish you strength for that journey and hope you and your family find comfort in knowing just how many Australians are thinking of you. Let us honour Helen not by retreating from the democratic contest but by remembering that the strength of our democracy lies not in how well we agree but in how we conduct ourselves when we disagree. I look forward to Helen returning soon.