Australian MP Helen Haines critically injured in suspected deliberate vehicle attack

Independent MP Helen Haines, 65, was taken to a Melbourne hospital in critical condition after a white Toyota Landcruiser hit her outside her electorate office in Wangaratta, Victoria, on Monday afternoon. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the driver reversed and struck her a second time after initially ramming her vehicle.

"What witnesses have described is the driver doing a U-turn to get into the car park and to ram Helen against a vehicle, then to reverse and do it a second time," Burke told ABC.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said counter-terrorism police are investigating and described the incident as a deliberate act, not an accident. He added that the motive remains unclear.

Victoria Police arrested a 43-year-old man from Tarrawingee, identified in local reports as Brendan Nugent, at the scene. A knife was seized, and officers said it was unknown whether the suspect knew Haines.

Haines was airlifted to a Melbourne hospital, where surgeons are working to save her remaining leg after she lost one in the attack. The Prime Minister praised her as a hard-working and respected member of Parliament.

The incident has heightened concerns among Australian lawmakers about personal safety, with officials noting an increase in reports of harassment and threats toward politicians in the 2025-26 financial year.