Over the past few days, I've heard one particular phrase repeated countless times across the nation: Helen is the best of us. I think those words are entirely accurate, because anyone who has the privilege of knowing Helen knows just how much the truth is in that statement. Dr Helen Haines, the member for Indi, represents everything we should aspire to be in public life. She is hardworking, compassionate, principled and, above all else, genuinely committed to making a positive difference in the lives of others.

But what makes Helen so special is not simply the work she does in this chamber. It is the person she is outside of it. Anyone who has spent time walking the corridors of Parliament House will know Helen's friendly nature. She is always smiling, with time for a kind word or a quick chat no matter how busy the sitting week might be. I have the particular honour of being Helen's neighbour here at Parliament House in the naughty corner on level 2, as the member for Perth stated not too long ago. I can say from personal experience that she's always been incredibly welcoming to both me and my staff. Helen has always made the time for everyone here. She never just says hello and keeps walking; she always stops, checks in and asks how your day is going. Those small interactions don't normally make the headlines or appear in Hansard, but they speak volumes about someone's character. They remind us that, behind the political differences, we are all human beings.

That is why the events of recent days have been so deeply troubling. Senseless acts of violence should never be considered acceptable in Australia—not in our communities or workplaces and certainly not as a response to political opinions. Our democracy is built upon the principle that people can hold different opinions, debate passionately and disagree respectfully. Violence has absolutely no place in that process. It undermines the respect, compassion and understanding that should underpin our society, and it threatens the very principle that makes our democracy strong. No Australian should ever feel unsafe simply because they have chosen to serve their community, because at the heart of public service is a commitment to making life better for others.

Few have demonstrated that commitment more consistently than Helen. Long before entering this parliament, she had already built an esteemed career in health care, working as a nurse, midwife and rural health researcher. Her work was grounded in caring for people, understanding their needs and advocating for better outcomes, particularly for those living in regional and rural Australia. That commitment to service continued when Helen was elected as the independent member for Indi in 2019. Since arriving in Canberra, she has established herself as a thoughtful, determined and deeply respected parliamentarian. One of her most significant contributions has been her tireless advocacy for greater integrity and transparency in federal politics. Helen played an important role in the push to establish the National Anti-Corruption Commission. Her work helped build momentum for a stronger national integrity framework and demonstrated what determined, principled advocacy can achieve. It is a contribution that will have a lasting impact on this parliament and on the trust Australians place in their democratic institutions.

But, for all her achievements and for all the recognition she has rightly earned, one thing has remained constant. Helen has always served, first and foremost, her community. The people of Indi have always been at the centre of her work. Their concerns, their aspirations, their families and their futures have been the driving force behind her time in public life. And I believe that is what makes Helen such an outstanding representative. She understands that being a parliamentarian is not about the title we hold, the office we occupy or the recognition we receive. It is about the people who place their trust in us and the responsibility that we carry to represent them with dignity and integrity. Helen has demonstrated that responsibility every single day. So today I thank Helen for her friendship, her kindness, her service and the example she continues to set for all of us. I extend my very best wishes to Helen for her recovery, her husband, Phil, and her family, her friends and her dedicated staff. Lastly, please take all the time you need to recover. I look forward to welcoming you back and finally cooking you that dinner I still owe you and Phil in my office.