‘Deeply appalled’: politicians condemn alleged attack after independent MP Helen Haines critically injured
News Source
•Mon, 19 Oct 2026 11:10:09 GMT
📰 What Happened
Independent MP Helen Haines is in a critical condition after being hit by a car outside her office in Wangaratta, Victoria. Police say a white Toyota LandCruiser struck the 65-year-old about 3.35pm on Monday.
A 43-year-old man from Tarrawingee was arrested. Police say a knife was found in his car and a passer-by held him until officers arrived. Haines was flown to a Melbourne hospital. The AFP, ASIO and the joint counter-terror team are helping investigate.
The Prime Minister said the motive is not known. He described the incident as a deliberate act, not an accident. Politicians from every side condemned it.
🔍 The Backstory
Haines has held the seat of Indi since 2019. She was a nurse and midwife before politics. She pushed hard for a federal anti-corruption commission, and her bill was blocked in 2021. The NACC now exists and she is deputy chair of its oversight committee.
Australia's spy agency has warned for years that politically motivated violence is becoming more likely. Reports of threats and harassment against politicians rose from 951 to 1,067 in a year.
🎯 Why It Matters
MPs need to meet the public safely. If political anger turns into violence, ordinary people lose their chance to be heard.
Independent MP Helen Haines is in a critical condition after being hit by a car outside her office in Wangaratta, Victoria. Police say a white Toyota LandCruiser struck the 65-year-old about 3.35pm on Monday.
A 43-year-old man from Tarrawingee was arrested. Police say a knife was found in his car and a passer-by held him until officers arrived. Haines was flown to a Melbourne hospital. The AFP, ASIO and the joint counter-terror team are helping investigate.
The Prime Minister said the motive is not known. He described the incident as a deliberate act, not an accident. Politicians from every side condemned it.
Haines has held the seat of Indi since 2019. She was a nurse and midwife before politics. She pushed hard for a federal anti-corruption commission, and her bill was blocked in 2021. The NACC now exists and she is deputy chair of its oversight committee.
Australia's spy agency has warned for years that politically motivated violence is becoming more likely. Reports of threats and harassment against politicians rose from 951 to 1,067 in a year.
MPs need to meet the public safely. If political anger turns into violence, ordinary people lose their chance to be heard.