Politicians on all sides have united in their support for independent MP Helen Haines after she was struck by a car outside her Wangaratta electorate office.
Haines, 65, who represents the federal seat of Indi in north-east Victoria, was standing near her vehicle outside her electorate office when she was struck in what has been described as a “deliberate attack.”
According to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, the MP remains in a critical condition at the Alfred hospital after being airlifted to Melbourne.
“I spoke with her husband and passed on our very warm and best thoughts for Helen for a full recovery. But she remains in a critical condition,” Albanese said on Oct. 20.
“I think all Australians will be thinking of her today and her local community particularly will be quite distraught at this news of a terrible event occurring there in Wangaratta. Helen is much loved in that local community. She of course is loved by her family and her many friends as well.”
A 43-year-old suspect was detained at the scene by civilian witnesses before being arrested by police. He remains in custody and is expected to be interviewed by investigators imminently.
Albanese reiterated his view that the attack was intentional and extended his praise to the bystander who intervened before police arrived.
“It is clear that this was a deliberate act because of the nature of what occurred,” he said.
“It’s got to be said here that at this dark and terrible time, an element of light is the fact that a Good Samaritan, someone rushed to Helen’s defence in Wangaratta, put themselves potentially at risk by doing so. And that person is a hero today.”
Acting Superintendent Ashley Mason told reporters on Oct. 20 that the suspect would be interviewed and investigations would continue on Oct. 20.
“If I can just say, that at this stage, we are certainly treating this incident as an isolated incident. We do not have any intelligence that there is any further threat to any individual person or the broader community,” he told reporters.
The alleged attacker was not on the police radar, Mason added.
One Nation Leader Says She Is Horrified
One Nation Leader Pauline Hanson said she was horrified and saddened that Haines was seriously injured in the alleged attack.
“Violence against any elected representative, whoever they are and whatever they stand for, is never acceptable in Australia. Members of parliament and their staff must be able to serve their communities without fearing for their safety,” she said.
“Police are investigating, and we should let them do their work.”
Opposition Leader Says Political Attacks Can’t Be Normalised
Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Angus Taylor said he was praying for Helen and thinking of her family and loved ones.
“No one should be targeted in this way,” he said.
“Australians will be angry and appalled by the attack on Helen outside her electorate office in Wangaratta.
“Our nation cannot become a place where violent attacks are normalised.”
Meanwhile, independent MP Monique Ryan described Helen as the most wonderful parliamentarian and a person of the utmost personal integrity.
“She’s incredibly respectful of colleagues, people across the spectrum in parliament love her and respect her, and she’s someone who’s incredibly deeply committed to her community. She speaks of it with such love and commitment,” she told ABC Radio on Oct. 20.
AFP Sounds Alarm Over Threats Against Politicians
As investigations continue, Australian Federal Police (AFP), have highlighted growing concerns about threats against federal politicians.
The AFP received 1,067 reports of threatening, harassing, nuisance and offence behaviour against high office holders, federal parliamentarians, electorate offices, and protected establishments in 2025-26. This is up from 951 a year earlier.
“Not all reports reach criminal thresholds, but the AFP takes every report seriously and encourages federal parliamentarians and their staff to report incidents,” it said.
AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett suggested that the alleged attacker could face federal charges.
“Victoria Police and the AFP are working closely together to identify potential charges, which may include state and Commonwealth offences, such as the offence of causing harm to a Commonwealth public official, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment,” she said.
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