# Australian MP Helen Haines in critical condition after car attack

> Australian MP Helen Haines injured in car attack; motive unknown as police investigate.
- Title: Australian MP Helen Haines in critical condition after car…
- Summary: Australian MP Helen Haines injured in car attack; motive unknown as police investigate. Australian MP Helen Haines was critically injured in a car attack in…
- Keywords: breaking, helen haines, australian parliament, wangaratta, melbourne, prime minister anthony albene, counter terrorism units, car attack, political violence, Australian, Helen, Haines
- Source: Newsweek — https://newsweek.com/helen-haines-attack-australia-mp-hit-by-car-in-critical-condition-12587051
- Published: 2026-10-19T09:21:36+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: breaking, helen haines, australian parliament, wangaratta, melbourne, prime minister anthony albene, counter terrorism units, car attack, political violence
## Australian MP Helen Haines
Australian independent MP Helen Haines was critically injured in a car attack in Wangaratta, Victoria.
## Suspect arrested
A 43-year-old man from Tarrawingee was arrested after driving a white Toyota Land Cruiser that struck Haines.
## Motive unknown
Police confirmed a knife was found in the vehicle but the attack's motive remains unconfirmed.
## Prime Minister's response
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the incident an 'attack' and warned of rising political violence.
## Political reaction
Opposition leader Angus Taylor called it a 'shocking day for our nation' and demanded political violence must never be accepted.
## What happens next
Police are investigating whether the attack was intentional and will conduct a mental health assessment on the suspect.
## Key takeaway

Australian MP Helen Haines was critically injured in a car attack in Wangaratta, Victoria, with a suspect arrested but motive unconfirmed.