# Australian MP Helen Haines loses leg in deliberate car attack

> Australian MP Helen Haines loses leg in deliberate car attack outside office as Albanese condemns violence.
- Title: Australian MP Helen Haines loses leg in deliberate car attack
- Summary: Australian MP Helen Haines loses leg in deliberate car attack outside office as Albanese condemns violence. Australian MP Helen Haines lost a leg in a…
- Keywords: breaking, helen haines, australian mp, wangaratta, prime minister albanese, deliberate car attack, political violence, australian politics, australian government, news, world, Australian
- Source: Malay Mail — https://malaymail.com/news/world/2026/10/20/australian-mp-helen-haines-loses-leg-in-deliberate-car-attack-outside-office-albanese-condemns-violence/239845
- Published: 2026-10-20T13:53:24+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: breaking, helen haines, australian mp, wangaratta, prime minister albanese, deliberate car attack, political violence, australian politics, australian government, news, world
## Helen Haines injured
Australian MP Helen Haines lost a leg after being struck by a car in a deliberate attack outside her Wangaratta office.
## Attack details
Witnesses reported hearing a bang and seeing a woman pinned between two cars as she got things from her car trunk.
## Driver arrested
The 43-year-old male driver was restrained by local barber Ricky Jefferies and arrested with a knife found in his car.
## Hero barber
Barber Ricky Jefferies, 65, said his first thought was his wife would be disappointed if he was injured.
## Albanese response
Prime Minister Albanese called the attack a 'test of our character' and praised Helen Haines for transparency and anti-corruption efforts.
## Political violence
Political violence is rare in Australia but threats against officials have been increasing in recent years.
## Investigation ongoing
Federal police, counter-terrorism squad, and Victoria state law enforcement are investigating the attacker's motive.
## Tributes pour in
Conservative opposition leader Angus Taylor called it a 'shocking day for our nation' and far-right Senator Pauline Hanson condemned violence against elected representatives.
## Key takeaway

Australian MP Helen Haines lost a leg in a deliberate car attack outside her Wangaratta office, prompting Prime Minister Albanese to condemn political violence and call for respectful dialogue.