Thank you, Speaker.
Can I associate myself with the fine words of the Prime Minister a moment ago.
Helen, we’re thinking of you.
We’re praying for your swift recovery.
My hope, our hope, 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.
Speaker, while last Monday’s horrendous attack was a national tragedy, it is, first and foremost, a family’s tragedy.
We’re also thinking of course, of Helen’s beloved husband, Phil.
And their three cherished children, 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.
And that’s why the violent attack on her seems 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.
The many more 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 outstanding.
In the most horrible moments, we always see heroic Australians.
It reminds us of who we are, and we should be proud of who we are.
The attack on Helen Haines was an attack on a Member of Parliament.
And the attack on a Member of 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, 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 should never be crossed.
Their 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 also do is call out and confront the actual sources of intolerance, intimidation, and political violence in our country.
And the Government has been absolutely right to call out far-right extremism.
But all extremism must be called out.
Every source of extremism must be named, targeted, and must be fought.
Especially through additional funding for intelligence and law enforcement.
And we need judges to come down much harder on people found guilty of acts of intimidation or violence.
Another thing we must all do is celebrate Australia more readily.
Too many Australians have been taught to feel guilty and shame about our history and our country.
Is it any wonder that some people 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 House as soon as possible.