We can’t accept a political culture that discourages good people from serving their communities

November 2, 2026 — 5:00am

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For years, we have watched political violence and intimidation become an increasingly disturbing feature of democracies overseas, perhaps believing that Australia was different.

The alleged attack on independent member for Indi Dr Helen Haines has forced us to confront how naive that assumption may have been.

I left politics earlier this year after 14 years in the South Australian parliament, the last three as deputy premier to Peter Malinauskas.

I held major portfolios, made difficult decisions that affected thousands of Australians and experienced firsthand the relentless scrutiny that comes with public office.

I know how demanding political life can be, and how seriously the overwhelming majority of politicians take their responsibilities. But no amount of experience prepares you for the possibility that simply doing your job could put your safety at risk.

What has happened to Helen is devastating. It should also make us think deeply about the environment in which we expect our elected representatives to work, and what that means for people who might........

© The Age