Thank you to the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition for their kind words. Mr Speaker, through you, I would like to address both Helen and Phil. Dear Helen and Phil: I've been going around in circles in my head trying to express everything I want to say. We are all struggling to process the shock and grief at what has happened. Our hearts go out to you both and to your children and grandchildren. Helen, we first met in person in 2019 at MP school, freshly elected and motivated to serve. In your first speech you spoke of the responsibility bestowed upon MPs and your commitment to represent your community and be a real voice for Indi. You have been true to that commitment every step of the way. You introduced the Beechwood principles, seeking to ensure integrity, accountability, fairness and equal treatment of all. You pressed for the National Anti-Corruption Commission, community batteries, mobile services in regional Australia, and access to equitable health and housing for the regions. You've been a voice for reason and fairness, committed to tackling problems head on and faithfully representing the people of Indi. Most recently, you have set up the parliamentary friends of alpine communities to be a voice for the pristine mountain communities in Australia.

There have been plenty of tough times in the last seven years, from the Black Summer bushfires to COVID, but through it all you've been there to support and guide the community of Indi, myself and many others in this parliament. Helen and Phil, to all of us you are the perfect team here in parliament—strong and committed. Phil is always here by your side, managing the incredible volunteer intern program, giving many in Indi the chance to experience democracy firsthand. You both have also become good friends of mine. I've been the third wheel at dinner here in Canberra a few times. And some say there are no friends in politics, but they are wrong. Phil: you introduced my husband, Tim, to the partners group; shared a laugh at midwinter balls; joined Helen at our son's 18th; and spent a weekend at the snow with us. And you're always welcome in Sydney and here. You've both made this somewhat exhausting and full-on work environment fun and friendly. And Phil, your calm resolve and love for Helen is a balm for everyone who is shocked at this senseless attack.

At a time when our society feels like it's fraying at the edges, it's important to hold on to what really matters. It's so telling that in this dark hour you've chosen to give to others by asking for donations to Save the Children in lieu of flowers and have now raised over $1 million. Helen, I've had so many chats with you sitting in this chamber. You're the matriarch of the crossbench, always a voice for respectful political debate. You've advised me to amend a few questions over the years! You've always invited a constructive and collaborative approach to policy. And as Deputy Speaker you have striven to improve the standards of debate. To the Indi team, to the electorate staff, to the volunteers and to the Indi community: Warringah stands with you. We deeply admire your courage and resilience.

There will be much discussion ahead about the need for better health and mental health services in the regions, our increasingly polarised political environment, harmful online debate and the need for greater civility in disagreement in parliament, in our media, online and in our communities, but, right now, I want to focus on you and Phil and what you mean to us all. We have heard your words loud and clear: kindness over hate.

It's time to defuse the tension and consider how our words are being received by others in the community beyond this place. Helen and Phil, we have an opportunity before us to move forward with hope and kindness. We have a responsibility to bring Australia together. So, Helen, I look forward to seeing you back here and getting on with the job. Let light win over darkness. Get well soon.