Statement – Helen Haines
Mr Speaker,
Helen Haines embodies all that is good about Australian politics.
Since coming to this place in 2019, Helen has proven herself a strong advocate for the people of Indi.
She is a person of genuine integrity, with a strong commitment to public service.
She is a fighter who stands up for what she believes in.
Her contributions to this place have, rightly, earned her the respect of colleagues across this Parliament.
What occurred last Monday was a senseless act of violence. One that has no place in Australia.
My thoughts are with Helen, her husband Phil and her family at this deeply difficult time.
I extend my support to her electorate office staff and to the entire Indi community.
Mr Speaker,
This moment reminds us of our shared responsibility to reject violence against women and ensure every woman can live and work safely.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that nearly one in three Australian women has experienced physical violence since the age of 15.
This is an unacceptable reality. We must continue working together to prevent violence and ensure every woman can live and work without fearing for their safety.
Mr Speaker,
Helen's work in this place has delivered meaningful outcomes for regional Australians.
She is a strong advocate for regional connectivity and resilience for communities, like hers, that face natural disasters.
Helen was one of the first people I called when the Government announced we would introduce a Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation.
Through her advocacy and support, Australians will be better connected when it matters most.
Her commitment to public service extends beyond her work representing the people of Indi.
She is also widely known for her significant contribution to strengthening integrity in Australian politics.
Helen has long argued that public trust in our institutions must be earned.
In 2020, Helen introduced legislation to establish an Australian Federal Integrity Commission. She understood the importance of an independent national body to investigate corruption and strengthen accountability.
When this Government introduced legislation to establish the National Anti-Corruption Commission, Helen drew on her longstanding advocacy for a federal integrity body to help shape the framework for the new Commission.
Right from establishment, Helen has continued this work as Deputy Chair of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on the National Anti-Corruption Commission.
Her contribution reflects a clear understanding that integrity matters, and that public trust cannot be taken for granted.
It has been my great personal pleasure to work closely with Helen since coming to this role in May 2025.
Her work on the NACC demonstrates her commitment to working constructively across the Parliament and strengthening the institutions on which our democracy depends.
Helen has made a significant contribution to this Parliament and to the Australian community.
We are all better for her service and for the determination she brings to making a difference.
Today, we send Helen and her family our deepest support and our very best wishes. We stand with her at this difficult time.
We look forward to welcoming her back to this place so she can continue the vitally important work she does on behalf of her community and our country.
ENDS