In too many ways, the world is a more dangerous and divided place than it was a generation ago.
And often as Australians when we see political violence elsewhere we take pride and comfort in the idea that our democracy is different
More peaceful, more stable, more respectful.
This is why the horrific attack on Helen Haines has so shocked our nation.
This was an attack on a hardworking, intelligent and thoroughly decent woman who is beloved in her community – and respected across the Parliament.
Right now, our priority is to wrap our arms around Helen’s family, friends and community.
We wait with hope and prayer that the great strength that Helen has always shown comes through this.
As time goes on there will be increased debate about what this means for our democracy.
We don’t know the motivations of the alleged attacker. But it will be alleged this was a deliberate act.
For some time now I have joined with our security and law enforcement agencies in calling to lower the temperature of political debate.
The warnings have been clear.
This is not just an issue for politicians, of course. It’s an issue for our entire society.
Ask anyone who works in retail or hospitality, and they’ll tell you about the rise in anger, abuse and even violence they have been facing in recent years.
Social media has no doubt played a role in this decline: polarising the political debate, algorithms pushing people into their corners and promoting rage over reason.
It is an essential part of our democracy for public representatives to be able to walk through festivals, go to local sport, go into shops and engage with people directly. Being
genuine members of the community we are privileged to serve is fundamental to how we do our jobs as members of parliament.
It is a healthy and visible way to push back on the anonymous, polarized, fractured political debate we see online.
That everyday ordinary connection between members and senators and their electorates is a precious feature of our democracy.
And if it is lost we will never get it back.
That is why this is a test of our national character.
We will always have issues on which we disagree - but we must be able to do this without challenging or questioning the loyalty to Australia of those who have a different perspective.
There is more than enough cruelty, violence and hatred in the world without us adding to it.
We can disagree – but we need settle those disagreements at the ballot box, as we have always done.
We need genuine debate. We need more respect. More kindness. More listening and less shouting.
And if we want a role model and an example in this we need only to look to Helen Haines.
This opinion piece was first published in The Daily Telegraph on Thursday, 22 October 2026.