Can I associate myself with the fine words of the Prime Minister. Helen, we're thinking of you. We're praying for your swift recovery. My hope, our hope and the nation's hope is that you will be back here soon. And, when you resume your seat in this parliament, that will be a resounding moment for our democracy—a moment when our nation says with one voice to those who seek to undermine our way of life through intimidation and violence: 'You will not break us. You will not silence us. You will not change us.'

While last Monday's horrendous attack was a national tragedy, it is first and foremost a family's tragedy. We're thinking, of course, of Helen's beloved husband Phil and their three cherished kids, Will, Nick and Georgia. In the past week, so many have spoken and written about Helen's qualities—her intelligence, compassion and commitment; her poise, gentleness and courtesy. Dr Helen Haines epitomises civility. That's why the violent attack on her seems so unfathomable. In those horrific moments last Monday and in the critical hours and days afterwards, one man's cruelty stood in stark contrast to the courage and decency of so many Australians—Ricky Jefferies, the barber we just heard about who disarmed the assailant and wrestled him from the vehicle to the ground; young Cody Lepoidevin, the outdoor gear store worker who helped restrain the attacker; Jacklyn Black and Jacob Evans, Melburnians who tended to Helen's injuries. There were others too. There were many bystanders who assisted—the paramedics and police officers first on the scene and the nurses, doctors and surgeons who kept Helen alive and whose care has been absolutely outstanding. In the most horrible moments, we always see heroic Australians. It reminds us of who we are, and we should be very proud of who we are.

The attack on Helen Haines was an attack on a member of parliament, and an attack on a member of our parliament is an attack on our democracy. Of all days, today is a day to reflect on our democracy. In the past week, it's been suggested by some that there is a causal connection between robust parliamentary debate and political violence. I disagree with this view. Our democratic system has served us well, from our colonies through to federation through to the present day. The Westminster system is about settling differences through robust and rigorous debate, not violence. With symbolic significance, the distance between the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader is said to be the length of two swords. Importantly, we debate with adversarial vigour, but we never allow that vigorous parliamentary debate to spill over into violence.

People who resort to intimidation and violence cross a line that must never be crossed. The choice to use violence is a rejection of robust debate, a refusal to accommodate difference and disagreement. The antidote to violence isn't to compromise our system of robust debate but to cherish, champion and strengthen that system. What we must do is call out and confront the actual sources of intolerance, of intimidation, of political violence in our country. The government has been absolutely right to call out far-right extremism, but all extremism must be called out. Every source must be named, must be targeted and must be fought, especially through our additional funding for intelligence and law enforcement. We need judges to come down harder on people found guilty of acts of intimidation or violence.

Another thing we must do is celebrate Australia more readily. Too many Australians have been taught to feel guilt and shame about our country and about our history. Is it any wonder that some feel deep animosity towards our democracy, our institutions and our nation? Is it any wonder that we see war memorials graffitied and statues defaced? Yes, we've had our historical dark chapters, but our nation's successes far outweigh our failures. On the historical scales, Australia is an incredible achievement, and, if we nurture greater love for Australia, that will go a long way to stopping hate for Australia. I look forward to Helen returning to the chamber as soon as possible.