# Independent MP Helen Haines critical after alleged car attack

> Helen Haines, the independent MP for Indi, is in critical condition after an alleged attack outside her electorate office in Wangaratta. A 43-year-old man is in custody.
- Title: Independent MP Helen Haines critical after alleged car attack
- Summary: Helen Haines, the independent MP for Indi, is in critical condition after an alleged attack outside her electorate office in Wangaratta. A 43-year-old man is…
- Keywords: helen haines, indi, wangaratta, independent mp, alleged attack, australian federal police, asio, news, world, Independent, Helen, Haines
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/19/helen-haines-updates-independent-mp-injured-in-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb
- Published: 2026-10-19T10:44:09+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: helen haines, indi, wangaratta, independent mp, alleged attack, australian federal police, asio, news, world
## MP attacked outside her office
Helen Haines, independent MP for Indi, is in critical condition after an alleged attack involving a car outside her electorate office in Wangaratta at about three thirty five pm.
## Man detained, motive unknown
A forty three year old man from Tarrawingee is in custody. The Australian federal police, Asio and the joint counter-terror taskforce are investigating. A knife was allegedly found in his car.
## Political leaders call for lower temperature
The prime minister called Haines a thoroughly decent human being full of integrity.Opposition and Greens leaders sent support.Nationals MP Sam Birrell said the alleged attack should be a wake up call to lower political temperature.

> a "wake-up call"
## Key takeaway

Independent MP Helen Haines is in critical condition after an alleged attack involving a car outside her Wangaratta office. A man is in custody and federal police are investigating.