Australian PM says attack on lawmaker was deliberate, driver arrested

A Toyota Land Cruiser struck independent federal MP Helen Haines outside her constituency office in Wangaratta, Victoria, on Monday, leaving her with critical injuries, police said. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told the Australian Broadcasting Corp that the incident was not an accident and appeared to be a deliberate act, though the motive remains unknown.

"This wasn't an accident. There was a deliberate act, it would appear. We don't know what the motivation is," Albanese said. Police reported that a 43-year-old driver was detained at the scene by a passerby and will be interviewed. A knife was found inside the vehicle and seized by investigators. The national counter-terrorism team, which includes police and intelligence agencies, is leading the inquiry. The attack has revived concerns about the safety of Australian parliamentarians, who traditionally work without personal security. Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett noted that threats against parliamentarians have doubled over the past three years, with more than 1,000 threats recorded in the 2025-2026 financial year, according to Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke. Albanese said the increasingly polarized political climate and social media have contributed to heightened risks for lawmakers.