Australian MP Helen Haines critically injured in car attack outside office

Helen Haines, 65, was struck by a white Toyota Land Cruiser SUV outside her electorate office on Murphy Street in Wangaratta, Victoria, on Monday afternoon at about 3:30 pm. The incident left her with critical injuries and she was flown to The Alfred Hospital in Melbourne for treatment. Police said the driver was a 43‑year‑old man who was apprehended by a passerby and handed over to authorities.

Victoria Police said the driver was arrested at the scene and that a knife had been found in the vehicle. Police added that they were investigating whether the act was intentional. The driver is being interviewed by investigators as part of the probe.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the incident was not an accident, describing it as a deliberate act, and that the national counter‑terrorism team was investigating. He said it was too early to speculate on the motive and that the joint counter‑terrorism unit had been activated.

Victoria Premier Ben Carroll said he was appalled by the attack, and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke noted that threats against politicians had risen, citing 1,007 reports in the 2025‑26 financial year. Haines has served as an independent MP since 2019 and is known for her stance on climate action. Her family issued a statement thanking bystanders and health workers and asked for privacy.