() (): The incorporated speech read as follows—

I would like to pay tribute to my colleague and friend, Dr Helen Haines, the Independent member for lndi. Like so many people across this parliament, across Indi and right around Australia, I have been deeply shocked and saddened by the terrible attack on Helen outside her electorate office in Wangaratta. My thoughts—and I know the thoughts of everyone in this place—are with Helen; her husband, Phil; her children; grandchildren; family; staff; and the entire lndi community. Helen is a woman of extraordinary courage, compassion and conviction. She is a former nurse and midwife, a farmer, a researcher, a grandmother, a wife, a mother and a devoted community representative, but, above all, Helen is someone who has spent her life caring for other people. That instinct to care has shaped everything she has done, in her professional life, in her community and in this parliament.

In an era when public debate can so often become loud, hostile and divisive, Helen has been a steady voice for decency. She has shown that it is possible to hold strong views without treating others with antipathy. She has shown that disagreement does not have to mean disrespect, and she has shown that the best politics begin with genuine listening. Helen has been a tireless advocate for her community in north-east Victoria. She has been a powerful advocate for integrity in public life and for stronger institutions that hold power to account. Her work on a federal anti-corruption commission reflected her deep belief that public office is a trust and that Australians deserve a political system they can have confidence in. Helen's contribution cannot be measured only in legislation, committees or campaigns. It is measured in the way she makes people feel. Colleagues from every side of this chamber speak of her kindness, her warmth, her good humour and her willingness to make time for others. She treats staff, constituents, visitors and opponents with the same respect. She asks how you are, and she genuinely waits for the answer.

I have seen that warmth myself. Helen has a rare ability to bring people together. She does not seek the spotlight for its own sake; she uses it to lift others up. She is generous with her time, generous with her encouragement and generous with her belief that politics can be better than it often appears. Helen's strength has never been loudness. Her strength has been persistence. She has faced difficult debates, tough campaigns and enormous pressure, yet she has remained grounded in her values and accountable to her community. She has always been prepared to do the patient, unglamorous work that good representation requires—listening to locals, understanding the detail, building coalitions, and finding practical solutions.

The response to this shocking attack has shown just how deeply Helen is loved and respected. Flowers, cards and messages have been placed outside her office in Wangaratta. People from Indi and beyond have gathered to pray, to reflect and to offer their support. Her family has asked that, in place of flowers, people consider donating to Save the Children Australia, a request that says so much about Helen and the values she lives by. Helen's husband, Phil, has described her as a fighter. We know that to be true. We know that her heart and her mind remain strong, and we hold onto hope for the long road of recovery ahead. Helen has spent her life standing beside people in their hardest moments. Now, it is our turn to stand beside her, her family and her community.

To Helen: please know that you are in our hearts. Your courage, compassion and integrity have made this parliament better. They have made our democracy stronger, and they have reminded all of us why we came here in the first place—to serve. We will continue to honour Helen not only with words but through our actions. We must treat one another with respect, reject violence and hatred, and recommit ourselves to the kind of politics she has practised every day. Helen, you are loved, you are respected, and you are not alone. Our thoughts and prayers remain with you and your family. Thank you.