# Independent MP Helen Haines critically injured in alleged attack

> Victoria police arrest a man after Helen Haines is struck by a vehicle outside her Wangaratta electorate office. Prime minister and politicians condemn the incident.
- Title: Independent MP Helen Haines critically injured in alleged…
- Summary: Victoria police arrest a man after Helen Haines is struck by a vehicle outside her Wangaratta electorate office. Prime minister and politicians condemn the…
- Keywords: breaking, helen haines, indi, wangaratta, victoria, independent mp, alleged attack, australian federal police, asio, counter-terror taskforce, political violence, news
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/oct/19/mp-helen-haines-injured-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb
- Published: 2026-10-19T11:10:09+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: breaking, helen haines, indi, wangaratta, victoria, independent mp, alleged attack, australian federal police, asio, counter-terror taskforce, political violence, news
## MP struck by vehicle in Wangaratta
Independent MP Helen Haines was critically injured in an alleged attack involving a vehicle outside her electorate office in Wangaratta, regional Victoria, on Monday afternoon.
## Man arrested, federal agencies investigating
A forty-three-year-old man from Tarrawingee was arrested at the scene. Prime minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the Australian federal police, Asio and the joint counter-terror taskforce are investigating.
## Motive unknown, no recent threats identified
Albanese said the motive for the alleged attack was not known and would not comment on whether the suspect was known to police.
## Albanese praises Haines' integrity
The prime minister described Haines as incredibly hard-working, fiercely intelligent and thoroughly decent. He said he respected her integrity most of all, even when they disagreed.

> Helen Haines is incredibly hard-working. She is fiercely intelligent, but most importantly, she's just a thoroughly decent human being, full of integrity and respected right across the parliament.
## Albanese warns of rising political temperature
On the ABC's seven thirty program, Albanese said he had repeatedly warned that the temperature has increased in recent times in relation to politics and feared this would increase the risk of political violence.

> This wasn't an accident.
## Threats against politicians surging
Home affairs minister Tony Burke said there had been an increase in threats towards politicians.
## Haines' family thanks bystanders
Haines' family confirmed she had been injured and was receiving medical care. They thanked bystanders for their swift assistance and dedicated health workers, and asked for privacy.

> This afternoon, our beloved Helen was involved in an incident outside her Wangaratta Electorate Office, and is receiving medical care.
## Police details of the incident
A white Toyota LandCruiser struck the sixty-five-year-old woman outside an office on Murphy Street about three thirty-five pm.A knife was allegedly found in the car.A passerby detained the man when he exited the vehicle.
## Politicians condemn alleged attack
Victorian premier Ben Carroll said he was deeply appalled by the alleged violent attack. Opposition leader Angus Taylor said political attacks cannot be normalised in Australia and called it a shocking day for the nation.

> I am deeply appalled by this violent attack on Helen Haines.
## Colleagues express support for Haines
Independent MP Monique Ryan said Haines was the very best of people and respected and loved by everyone in parliament.Nationals MP Michael McCormack sent his love and best wishes for her full and speedy recovery.
## Asio warns politically motivated violence rising
Asio director general Mike Burgess said in twenty twenty-five that although Australia's terrorism threat level remained at probable, the system was not designed for the current situation.

> We do know the environment is degrading and acts of politically motivated violence are becoming more likely than probable suggests.
## Key takeaway

Independent MP Helen Haines was critically injured after being struck by a vehicle outside her Wangaratta office. A forty-three-year-old man was arrested and is being investigated by federal police and counter-terror authorities.