Speakers: Hon Penny Wong

Transcript

Hon Penny Wong

>> Uh, yes, I would. Thank you, chair. Um, before we begin, uh, the PMNC estimates, I do want to address the horrific attack that occurred on Monday 8 last week against the Dr. Helen Haines outside her elected office in Wangora. Uh Helen, her husband Phil, her children and her grandchildren and her team and everyone who loves her are in our thoughts. We hold them close in our hearts. Chair, this is a time of great distress and of great shock and we meet this as we meet this afternoon. Uh Helen remains in hospital and it is impossible to comprehend that someone so well loved around this place around the nation especially back home in her community has met with such violence whilst doing her job. And there are so many reasons Helen Haines is loved and respected. As a community representative, Helen is dedicated and diligent. She is a serious legislator. Helen is intelligent, driven by integrity, and committed to social justice. In 2022, I had the honor of receiving the McKinnon Prize in Political Leadership alongside Helen, who was recognized as the emerging political leader of the year. And the judges recognized her integrity, her dedication to her community, and her remarkable e ability to build consensus across parliament, particularly in the establishment of a national integrity When she accepted the ward, Helen said it was her community who had spurred her on. And that is Helen. Even in the moment of personal recognition, her focus was on the people she serves. Helen sees the best in people. She is generous, a champion of community engagement, and a serious campaigner. There is no doubt. What defines Helen's politics is that they are grounded in Helen Haines does politics with a great We know all Australians are searching for answers. The Victorian Police, the AFP and AIO are continuing their investigations and we thank them for their work. As they continue these investigations, what is clear is the epidemic of violence against women in this country must end. And that the heightened anger, grievance, and violence that is beginning to characterize so much of public debate can go on cannot go on. As parliamentarians, we see this regularly, but increasingly too, so do frontline workers, emergency service workers, retail workers, nurses, and many more. Everyone has a right to go to work, to come home safe, and to be safe at home. Many of us have been urging the temperature be lowered for some time. But what does that mean? I think it means everyone who contribute contributes the public debate whether in parliament in the media or in the public square. We must all remember that our words have consequences. We must all find a way to disagree respectfully and constructively. We have always had disagreement in Australia. It's part of our story and it's an important part of our democracy. But it is vital that this debate is conducted in a way that lifts our nation not one that tears it down. Helen Haines is a shining example of exactly how we can conduct ourselves in this ourselves in this way. Indeed, this morning when Helen's husband, Phil, spoke to members of parliament, he spoke of hope that this tragedy could become the moment that breaks the fever, the moment our country chooses to turn towards a gentler and more cohesive path. I also want to echo the words of prime the prime minister in saying a sincere thank you to first the first responders and to those members of the public who assisted on the scene. Australians who ran towards danger and they are heroes and they show us again that at the worst of times we see the best of the Australian character. That is something I know is keeping Helen's team going and something which is giving us all heart as we process this horrific event. So, I again send our love to Helen and to her loved ones. Helen, we know you are a fighter and we look forward to seeing you back in this place fighting for your community when the time is right. Thank you, Chair.