Helen has dedicated herself to representing her community and standing up for the people who put their trust in her. Whatever our political differences, there should always be respect for the commitment it takes to put yourself forward for public service, to listen to people’s concerns and to fight for a better future for your community.
It is heartbreaking when a moment like this reminds us how much we can take for granted about our democracy, and how important it is that those who serve their communities are able to do so with dignity and respect.
My thoughts are with Helen, her family, her staff and the communities who are feeling the weight of this news.
This is not who we are, and it cannot be the standard we accept.
Our democracy depends on people being willing to stand up, speak out and put themselves forward to represent their communities. It depends on people believing that their voice matters and that they can make a difference.
If we allow fear, division or despair to silence those voices, we all lose something precious.
I know our communities are full of people who care deeply about one another. People who lend a hand when a neighbour is struggling, who rally around families in difficult times and who believe that everyone deserves a fair go. That is the Australia I know, and the Australia we must continue to fight for.
We cannot allow this moment to mark the end of our hope in democracy, or our belief in what we can achieve together.
Instead, we must keep showing up. Keep listening. Keep standing up for what is right, even when it is difficult. And keep working towards a world that is fairer, safer and kinder for the generations who will follow us.
We may not always agree on the answers, but we should never lose sight of the humanity we share.
That is who we are. And that is worth fighting for.
Annabelle Cleeland
State Member for Euroa
11°C