Statement: Dr Helen Haines MP

Monday 26 October 2026

Thank you Speaker.

We come together today with heavy hearts to pay tribute to Helen Haines - a woman whose life and work have been defined by service, compassion, courage and an unwavering commitment to others.

We feel a deep sense of sadness and concern for Helen, her husband Phil, her family, her staff and the community she has served so faithfully.

The events of last week have shocked Australians across the country and in my electorate of Whitlam.

I have had many messages from people in my electorate – the community is deeply concerned for Helen’s welfare.

I was grateful to be able to convey the very best wishes of the Whitlam electorate to Phil Haines, in person, here in Parliament this morning.

Helen, we wish you, Phil, your family and staff, all the very best.

It is difficult to comprehend that a woman who has devoted so much of her life to caring for others and representing her community could suffer such devastating injuries while going about her work.

Helen Haines has spent her career looking after other people.

Before entering federal Parliament, Helen built a distinguished career as a nurse and midwife.

I was contacted last week by a friend who used to live in Wangaratta, and he knew Helen when she was a midwife.

And he recalled the story of when his first child was born, Helen brought him and his wife a casserole the day after the birth of his son, and she said to them – it’s a busy time so I thought I would cook you something to have in the fridge.

He said he was so touched, and described her as an exceptional human.

Helen has carried this kindness into public life – Helen has brought to Parliament her empathy, integrity, determination and a deep belief that every person deserves dignity and respect.

The circumstances surrounding Helen’s injuries are a confronting reminder that violence, of any kind, has no place in our democracy.

No-one in public life should have to fear for their safety while serving their community.

No family should have to endure anguish that Helen’s family is currently enduring.

And no disagreement, grievance or political difference can ever justify violence.

We must reaffirm our commitment to respectful debate, peaceful disagreement and the fundamental right of every person to participate in public life without fear.

Our democracy is strongest when we listen and respect one another.

Because of what has happened to Helen, Australia will never be the same again.

As a result, we have an opportunity to change our community for the better.

And we can do that by doing something very simple:

Showing one another respect.

Australians are very decent people.

We must have that decency on display, all the time.

That is the very best thing we can do now to show our support and love for Helen Haines: because that is what Helen stands for.

And today is about Helen.

It is about Helen the person: the wife, the friend, the colleague and the woman who has touched so many lives through her work and through her character.

We also think of Phil, whose love, courage and decency have been evident during this deeply distressing time.

We think of Helen’s staff, and those present on the day of this terrible incident.

And we think about the people of Indi, whose representative and friend is fighting for her recovery.

To all of them, we offer our heartfelt support.

Helen’s life has been marked by determination, and her husband has described her as a fighter.

We can continue to speak up for the values that Helen has championed.

We can ensure that the kindness, respect, integrity and courage she has demonstrated are reflected in our own actions.

I invite all Australians to take up that challenge.

To show respect at all times.

We can show respect to everyone we come into contact with – teachers, delivery drivers, people working on supermarket check outs, wait staff, paramedics, nurses –

Showing respect costs us nothing and yet it means so much.

To Helen: once again, on behalf of the electorate of Whitlam, we send our love and best wishes.

May you find strength in the kindness and concern of people across the country.

Even in our darkest moments – kindness, respect, compassion, dignity and courage can bring us together.

Thank you Deputy Speaker.

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