I'd just like to commend the member for Reid, Sally Sitou, on her lovely words, and I agree with Sally wholeheartedly. Helen, our thoughts are with you, Phil and your family at this incredibly difficult time. We have you in our thoughts and prayers, and so does much of the electorate of Cook. The House feels quieter today, much more solemn. As we reflect on this tragic situation, we're left with the deafening absence of a lively voice of reason. Helen represents the very best of this parliament. Helen brings to this parliament the character of someone who has spent a lifetime in service to others. Decades of caring for others as a nurse, a midwife and a rural health researcher shaped Helen, who then became a politician who continued to care for her community and who continued to listen and try and understand those she represents. Helen has been a fierce, independent voice for Indi, fighting for better regional health care, a fair share for country communities and greater integrity and accountability in politics. Helen has always shown that conviction and compassion can go hand in hand and you can hold someone or a government to account fiercely yet compassionately and fairly.

The tragic events of last week have been a sobering reminder of what we're all here to do. Though it shouldn't surprise us as elected representatives, the message is loud and clear. What we say in here and how we say it matters. As leaders, we shape how we want the country to feel, interact and behave. At times, I know I've fallen short of these standards and I could do better myself, but I think all Australians at this time should ask how they can do better as well. This does not mean stifling political debate. This does not mean holding each other to account. This does not mean fiercely challenging ideas, policy and reason. But what it does mean is not allowing the politics of hatred to infect this country like it has many countries around the world. We can have fierce political debate. Actually, fierce political debate is what keeps this country safe. We must never descend that debate into hatred or have it encourage violence. That is completely unacceptable in this country. Political violence and violence have no part in this country and are un-Australian. But political debate is what this country is about, and we need to find how to do that.

I think one of the things I've reflected on in this parliament is that politicians have very little, if any, professional development. I think one of the things we could look at in light of Helen Haines's tragedy is investing more in our politicians into their professional development as a profession. One of the things the member for Reid and I did was a course last year where we bipartisanly worked together on policy issues and what we wanted to do as politicians, and I think some of that reaching out across the aisle is what would strengthen this parliament and strengthen the political discourse in this country, and I think it's about time we looked at institutionalising that as a parliament.

Helen has steadfastly protected and advocated for her beliefs. I've seen her genuinely challenge in this chamber but never be dogmatic. I've seen her be a fierce advocate for her constituents but also set an example for them too. I think it's in light of Helen's dedication and service that we need to continue to challenge each other—challenge each other on our ideas but also challenge each other on our decorum, to be better, not worse. In a world where hate is often louder than harmony and protest is more convenient than peace and ignorance is more prevalent than imagination, we must be optimistic. Every day, we must toil to bring the forces of exceptionalism to bear and build a country befitting of fortune and aspiration. This is what much of Australia has been built on. For the people of Indi, you are not forgotten. You have not lost your voice. From Wodonga to Wangaratta and everywhere in between, we hear you, we see you, and we see Helen and her legacy as well. She's done you all proud.