[6.32 p.m.]
Ms BURNET (Clark) - I, too, rise to talk about Helen Haines and the terrible attack that occurred the other day. Eight days ago, a violent attack occurred in Wangaratta, which has sent shockwaves around the nation and the globe. Incredibly well‑respected independent Helen Haines, who has held the seat of Indi since 2019 in the Australian Parliament, has suffered horrific, life‑changing injuries, with both legs amputated. The perpetrator, a male known to her, is in custody and has been charged with multiple offences.
Just in those handful of sentences, Deputy Speaker, we hear of a complex and yet familiar story that has taken on a different realm with someone who represents good, who conducts herself with the utmost integrity, and who advocates so effectively for her community. But the horrific incident is not unique. This is the story of everyday Australia. It is the story of attacks on women every day. It is incumbent on all of us here in the Chamber, as a reflection and representation of Tasmanians, to do better.
I acknowledge two things. Firstly, that the Premier has put a notice of motion in relation to Helen Haines, so I welcome that. I also welcome the comments made by many members of this House and the heartfelt concerns in relation to Helen and wanting her speedy recovery. I also acknowledge that member for Clark, Ms Johnston, has talked about asking people to sign the Compassion in Politics Civility Pledge, which started as a result of a murder in the UK, from the husband of murdered Jo Cox MP. I have signed this and I suggest that others sign this as well, because it's important that our actions, which are on display in this Chamber, but also in our everyday life in our work with our constituents, that we are showing that dignity and respect that Helen Haines is so well known for and so well loved for by her colleagues and her community.
There's so much work we need to do to turn the tide and redress some of the harm associated with the way that people interact with each other, the way that they talk or use social media, and the media and social media companies obviously have their role to play.
This is not going to go away unless we use this opportunity, and we hear that Helen Haines MP would absolutely see this as a turning point to seize this opportunity, and she has, with asking rather than flowers to be sent, she has asked that people donate to Save the Children fund. And already, I just checked before, there's $1.36 million which has been raised in that short time, which is a testament to her and to the love and respect that she has.
We've heard the strong words of Phil, her husband. We've heard the outpouring of support from MPs in the Federal Parliament yesterday making their statements. I just want to send my concerns and thoughts and my best wishes to Helen for her speedy recovery. It's going to be a long journey, but she sounds like she's got a big heart, and she will do well with her recovery. I also want to send my thoughts to her husband, her family, her community, her staff and her colleagues. There has to be some good out of this and we all have our part to play to make that occur.