I believe in free speech, but a little self-censorship can save us from our worst impulses

October 22, 2026 — 7:30pm

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Like so many Australians, I am shocked, appalled and horrified by the dreadful attack on independent MP Dr Helen Haines on Monday, and my thoughts have often since been, and remain, with her, her family and friends, and her constituents in her electorate (especially those who saw what happened, and rushed to offer their assistance).

I support the calls that have been made by Governor-General Sam Mostyn AC, by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, by opposition frontbencher Andrew Hastie, and others, for the temperature of public debate to be “turned down” and for Australians to find ways of disagreeing with each other more respectfully and civilly.

One of the things – not the only one, to be sure, but an important one – that has contributed to the coarsening of public debate and personal........

© The Age