MP struck by car in regional town

Independent MP Helen Haines was struck by a car outside her office in Wangaratta, Victoria on Monday and severely injured. Police arrested a forty-three-year-old man at the scene and seized a knife.

Prime Minister calls it apparent attack

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the incident as an apparent attack after being briefed by federal police.Police have not confirmed Haines was hit deliberately, but witnesses saw the suspect do a U-turn before striking her.

“This wasn't an accident. There was a deliberate act, it would appear.”

Witness account of the incident

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said witnesses saw the suspect do a U-turn before striking the MP and then reversing to ram her again. Burke stressed no motive had been confirmed.

Long pattern of threats escalating

According to government statistics, there were one thousand sixty-seven reports of harassing and threatening behaviour against high office holders in the year to June, an increase on the previous year.

Recent examples of political violence

In recent years, politicians have been mailed bullets, female MPs threatened with sexual violence, a Jewish MP's office firebombed, and a Sydney mayor's car torched.

Experts identify drivers of violence

Josh Roose, a Deakin University Professor on violent extremism, says socioeconomic strain, mental health problems, political grifters, and a carcinogenic online environment drive the trend, which escalated dramatically since the pandemic.

“We tend to bury our head in the sand and say, 'Not here', but this has been happening now for well over a decade.”

Political class shares responsibility

Roose says politicians must take responsibility for crossing previously sacred terrain by targeting individuals and families. This occurs at both ends of the political spectrum and affects media, academics, and court officials too.

“We've seen a willingness to cross previously sacred terrain - you know, not targeting individuals, not targeting their families - but we now see that this is part and parcel of Australian political life.”

Intelligence warnings of political violence

Mike Burgess, head of Australia's domestic spy agency Asio, warned in his annual threat assessment for twenty twenty-six that politically motivated violence is more likely even though specific attacks cannot be predicted.

“Just as climate change increases the likelihood of extreme weather but does not forecast specific storms, politically motivated violence, including acts of terrorism, is more likely even though we cannot predict a specific attack.”

MPs living in fear after attack

MPs across political backgrounds report living in fear, wearing disguises in public, locking office doors, and scanning crowds.

“For many of us, the news coming out of Wangaratta… is our worst nightmare.”

Democracy's accessibility at risk

Albanese said it is not abnormal for constituents to run into their local member at shops or the footy, and many open offices for community concerns.

“Here in Australia, it is a good thing that politicians are able to go about their community and engage with people.”