MP Helen Haines attacked by car in Wangaratta, police arrest suspect
Tap title to read story
Independent MP Helen Haines was struck by a car and severely injured outside her office in the regional Victorian town of Wangaratta. Police arrested a 43‑year‑old man at the scene and seized a knife, but have not confirmed that Haines was hit deliberately. The suspect was briefed by federal police, whose counter‑terror squad is assisting state officers, and told the national broadcaster that the incident was not an accident. The attack comes amid growing concerns among Australian politicians about rising threats and violence, with 1,067 reports of harassing and threatening behaviour against high‑office holders recorded in the year to June, an increase on last year.
Timeline
- 2024 — 55% rise in threats during May local elections
- 2025 — Police report doubled threats against parliamentarians
- 2025-08 — Twenty cases of threats against Albanese reach courts
- On October 19 2026 Helen Haines struck by car outside Wangaratta office.