The key facts
- Helen Haines, 65, independent MP for the seat of Indi, was hit by a car outside her office in Wangaratta at about 15:35 local time and hospitalised with critical injuries.
- The 43-year-old driver from Tarrawingee was detained by a passer-by and arrested; a knife was found in the car; it is unknown whether the parties knew each other.
- Prime Minister Albanese called the incident a 'deliberate act'; the motive has not been established, and the joint counter-terrorism team has been activated.
Incident in Wangaratta
On Monday afternoon, at about 15:35 local time, a 65-year-old woman was struck by a white Toyota Land Cruiser outside an office on Murphy Street in Wangaratta — a town of about 30,000 people north-east of Melbourne. According to Victoria Police, the victim, who according to the ABC and other outlets is independent federal MP Helen Haines, sustained 'critical injuries', including, according to Deutsche Welle, serious injuries to the lower part of her body. She was taken to hospital.
Detention of the suspect
The driver, a 43-year-old man from Tarrawingee in north-east Victoria, was detained by a passer-by, after which police arrested him. A knife was found inside the car and seized. Police said it is not yet known whether the suspect and the victim knew each other, and that he will be interviewed; the investigation is ongoing.
Government response
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the incident 'was not an accident' and appeared to be a 'deliberate act', but stressed that it is too early to speak about a motive. He said the joint counter-terrorism team has been activated and said he was not aware of any threats against Haines. 'All of our thoughts are with Helen, her family, friends, staff and her community at this extremely difficult time. We pray for her full recovery,' he said.
Context of threats against politicians
According to the Australian Federal Police, the number of threats and abuse directed at politicians has been rising in recent years; a dedicated taskforce was established last year to investigate cases involving people targeting legislators. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke reported an increase in reports of harassment and threats against MPs in the 2025–26 financial year compared with 951 reports in the previous year. Albanese noted that 'the temperature has risen recently', and in an interview with ABC's 7.30, close to tears, confirmed that politicians discuss among themselves the risks they face.
About Helen Haines
Haines, who represents the seat of Indi in the state of Victoria, was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2019 and re-elected in 2022 and 2025. Before politics, she worked as a nurse and midwife, was director of nursing at the Chiltern Bush Nursing Hospital, holds a master's degree in public health and a PhD in medical sciences. She is known for supporting stronger climate action and efforts to increase transparency in politics and fight corruption.
Reaction and family
Haines' family confirmed the incident, thanked passers-by, medics and police, and asked the public and media to respect her privacy. Albanese described her as 'incredibly hardworking', 'brilliantly smart' and 'just an absolutely decent person'. Foreign Minister Penny Wong called what happened a 'shocking and deeply concerning attack', Victorian Premier Ben Carroll said he was 'deeply shaken' by the 'violent attack', and opposition leader Angus Taylor said: 'This is a shocking day for our nation. No one should be targeted in this way.'
