"The thoughts of so many of my constituents in Bean are with the member for Indi and her family, her community and her home. ... The impact and grace of Helen's service has been apparent to all who have served in this House."

Address to the House of Representatives, Motions

Monday 26 October 2026

I acknowledge the many fine contributions of the speakers that have gone before me on this sad but important day. The thoughts of so many of my constituents in Bean are with the member for Indi and her family, her community and her home. This morning at the National Prayer Breakfast, we came together across the aisles and across faiths to pray for Helen, her family and all who serve our nation. Togetherness matters; it is the essence of our communities, and our communities should always be at the heart of our role in this place. It's critical that we don't lose that connection but, instead, regroup to share more of what we have in common. As one of my constituents wrote this week: I have always loved living in a place where I could see a PM shopping for Christmas books with only a couple of discrete security personnel or a senator strolling on Mount Ainslie with his family or a member doing the grocery shopping'—that one's probably me—'and just being left alone by other community members. I dread our polity losing this treasure; It will be very hard to get it back once lost.

Democracy is a light that we all need to protect, especially when times are darkest and when democracy is under pressure. All around the world. At the centre of that is our ability to freely and robustly stand for what we believe, but also to remember, in the words of Jo Cox, that 'we are far more united and have far more in common' than that which divides us. It is our responsibility to commit to a future where our communities and our democracy are strengthened by connection and a respect across difference.

The member for Indi and I delivered our first speeches here on the same day, 1 August, back in 2019. Helen's speech was not just a beacon of empathy and kindness that we've all come to know well, but one shot through with both a sense of urgency and purpose. The remembered lesson from her mother that life is short, family is everything, and there is honour in the service of others. It reminds me of the words of the late leader of the UK Labour Party, John Smith, in his final speech:

We will do our best to reward your faith in us, but please give us the opportunity to serve our country. That is all we ask.

The impact and grace of Helen service has been apparent to all who have served in this House.

I also want to acknowledge Phil, Helen's husband, who's been such an important part of Helen's life and, in many ways, part of the broader parliamentary family. As Helen and I were both elected in 2019, my wife, Liesl, met Phil during the new member orientation program. We came to know him as he became a regular visitor to Canberra to assist in Helen's office, support her large network of volunteers and make sure everyone felt welcome and at home. He has never simply stood on the sidelines. He is an active part of the team around Helen, providing the practical help and steadfast support that allowed her to find her feet in this place, and continues to be integral to her success.

Phil, Liesl and I know that the same love, patience and unwavering commitment you have shown Helen throughout her life, including during her parliamentary career, will be every bit as important now. The road ahead may be difficult and uncertain, but Helen will not be alone. She has, beside her, a husband who knows her deeply, has stood with her through the demands of public life and whose support will be invaluable in the days and months ahead. On behalf of my wife, myself, and many others here, I'm sure, we send you both our love and our very best wishes for the months ahead.