Australian MP Helen Haines Critically Injured in Suspected Targeted Car Attack in Wangaratta

Independent MP Helen Haines is in a critical condition in hospital after a car hit her outside her electorate office in Wangaratta, in north-east Victoria, on Monday afternoon. Police are treating the collision as a suspected targeted attack. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that Haines had been attacked, and said a suspect was in custody.

Haines, 65, was taking items out of the boot of a car in a parking bay on Murphy Street when a Toyota LandCruiser hit her at about 3.30pm local time, police said. Witnesses said the driver passed her in the car park, turned back and drove at her. She was left with severe lower body injuries and was taken to hospital. Reports said she was to be flown to Melbourne for further treatment.

Police said a knife was found and seized from inside the Toyota. A 43-year-old man from Tarrawingee was arrested at the scene and was due to be questioned at Wangaratta Police Station. Police said it was not yet known whether the two knew each other.

Counter-terrorism team activated

Albanese said the Australian Federal Police, Victoria Police and ASIO, the domestic intelligence agency, were working together on the case. "There is a major police investigation underway, and I can confirm that a suspect is in custody," he said. "The Joint Counter Terrorism Team has been activated, but the motive is not known."

A local barber told 7News he pulled the driver from the car and wrestled him to the ground, and said he found a flick knife in the man's pocket. That account has not been confirmed by police, who have given few details while the investigation runs.

Albanese described Haines as fiercely intelligent and a thoroughly decent person, respected across the Parliament. Nationals frontbencher Michael McCormack, whose electorate sits next to hers, sent her his love and best wishes for a full and speedy recovery.

Family asks for privacy

Haines's family said she was receiving medical care and thanked the bystanders, health workers and police who responded. "Our family, and Helen's staff, will be making no further comment at this time, and ask that their privacy be respected by the public and media," the family said. "Please keep Helen in your thoughts."

The MP for Indi since 2019

Haines has represented Indi, a large rural seat in north-east Victoria, since 2019, when she succeeded fellow independent Cathy McGowan. Voters returned her at the 2022 and 2025 elections. She has lived in north-east Victoria for almost 40 years and runs a small farm with her husband. Before politics she worked as a nurse, a midwife and a health researcher. She is a mother of three.

Police have not named a motive, and no charges had been announced when Albanese spoke on Monday night local time. The investigation continues, and her office has not said when she might return to work.