The attack on Dr Helen Haines, Federal Member for Indi, outside her electorate office in Wangaratta, Victoria, is shocking and deeply distressing.
The thoughts and prayers of the Hinkler electorate are with Helen, her family, her staff, her loved ones, and her community across north-east Victoria.
No Australian should ever be subjected to violence or intimidation simply for going about their work. This is not the Australian way.
I commend the police, emergency services, medical professionals, and other members of the community who responded directly to this horrifying incident.
Our democracy is built on the ability to debate, disagree and resolve differences peacefully.
Robust political debate is part of a healthy democracy, and Australians should always be free to disagree passionately about the issues that matter to them.
But there is a very fundamental difference between robust debate and threats, intimidation, or violence.
As a federal representative, like many of my colleagues, we pride ourselves on being accessible to the people we serve.
I hope this terrible incident does not change the fabric of who we are across all levels of government.
We should do everything possible to preserve that freedom.