My thoughts and prayers are with Helen Haines and her family at this time.

There is no place for political violence in our parliamentary democracy and I remain shocked and saddened by what has happened.

After the murder of Jo Cox in Britain in 2016, there has always been a fear of such an attack happening on our shores. That day sadly has come and we are all the poorer for it.

Helen, like most of the rural MPs I know, loved nothing more than being out amongst her local communities getting to know the people and their needs. It is an essential part of being a parliamentarian and something we never want to lose. That part of the job we love just became a lot harder.

I have grown to know and respect Helen since her election to the federal parliament in 2019. We have shared two common bonds. The first is that she grew up in Colac in my electorate and remains a passionate advocate for the Colac region. The second is that Helen and her family are passionate Richmond supporters. I still remember fondly bumping into Helen and her family on Bridge Road after the 2017 Grand Final.

Helen is strong and bold and I know she’ll be fighting to recover with every breath.

ENDS

Media contact: Sandie Gustus M | 0408 564 232 E | sandie.gustus@aph.gov.au