Australian MP attacked outside her office, says PM
Police are investigating a possible deliberate attack as a 43-year-old suspect is arrested and a knife is seized from the vehicle.
- On Monday, independent Member for Indi Helen Haines was critically injured after being struck by a vehicle outside her Wangaratta electorate office; police arrested a 43-year-old Tarrawingee man at the scene.
- The Joint Counter-Terrorism Team has been activated to investigate whether the collision was an intentional act after police discovered a knife inside the suspect's Toyota Landcruiser at the scene.
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the incident as an "attack," stating "no place for political violence" in Australia, while Haines remains hospitalized with critical lower-body injuries.
- This incident occurs amid rising security threats to lawmakers, with police data showing over 1,000 threats against politicians in the 2025-2026 financial year, prompting the Australian Federal Police to establish a dedicated investigative unit.
- Known for advocating political transparency and integrity since her 2019 election, Haines represents the Indi electorate, where community leaders have expressed shock and await updates on her recovery.
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The Australian MP Helen Haines lost a leg when she was hit voluntarily by a car in front of her election day.
Australia is in shock after the voluntary assault of MP Helen Haines, hit by a SUV in front of her election day on Monday, October 19th. The 65-year-old was seriously injured and had to be amputated by a...
Australian politics is becoming increasingly toxic
Police arrive at Alfred Hospital where Australian politician Helen Haines is being treated in Melbourne on October 20, 2026. Australian independent lawmaker Helen Haines underwent surgery overnight but remains in a critical condition after being struck deliberately by a car in an attack, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on October 20. (Photo by Martin KEEP / AFP via Getty Images)
Australian MP Helen Haines remains in hospital. She is in critical but stable condition, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said. On Monday, an attacker drove a car twice into Haines, crushing her and causing serious injuries. Police have arrested the suspect; his motive remains unknown.
The attack occurred on Monday just after 3:30 p.m. local time. Helen Haines, 65, was deliberately struck by a white Toyota Land Cruiser outside her office on Murphy Street in Wangaratta, Victoria, about 250 km north of Melbourne. The federal MP for Indi was trapped between two cars and suffered serious lower body injuries. She was taken to the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne. Media reports indicate she has lost one leg, and doctors are fighting to …
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