In brief
Australian MP Helen Haines was critically injured when a vehicle struck her outside her Wangaratta office, leading Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to label the incident a potential deliberate attack. The 65‑year‑old anti‑corruption campaigner was thrown between cars and airlifted to a Melbourne hospital after sustaining severe trauma. Police have detained a 43‑year‑old suspect from nearby Tarrawingee and are investigating whether the act was intentional, with counter‑terror units involved. The event has sparked an outpouring of support from political leaders across the spectrum, who condemned the violence and highlighted the need to protect elected officials. The attack comes amid rising reports of threats against politicians in Australia, underscoring growing concerns about political safety.
Australian MP Helen Haines was critically injured after a vehicle struck her outside her constituency office in Wangaratta, Victoria, on Monday afternoon. The incident is being investigated as a potential deliberate act, according to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
The MP, 65, was thrown between two cars—a white Toyota Landcruiser and a waiting vehicle—and received severe trauma that required airlift to a Melbourne hospital. A 43‑year‑old suspect from nearby Tarrawingee was detained on scene after a passerby apprehended him; police recovered a knife from the car.
Victoria Police said they are looking into whether the attack was intentional and have no evidence of an ongoing threat to the community. Counter‑terror units have joined the investigation, underscoring the seriousness of the case.
The incident has drawn an outpouring of support from across the political spectrum. PM Albanese said there is “no place for violence in a democracy,” while opposition and coalition leaders expressed shock and vowed to protect elected officials.
