Australian MP Helen Haines Critically Hurt in Car Attack

Independent MP Helen Haines was in critical condition after being hit by a car outside her electorate office in Wangaratta on Monday afternoon.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the incident as an "attack" and a "deliberate act", language that framed the collision as intentional rather than accidental. Haines, who is 65, was struck by a Toyota Landcruiser near the office where she works as the federal representative for Indi. The Guardian reported the description by the prime minister and the location outside her office, while Politico reported the vehicle type and the Monday afternoon timing.

A 43-year-old man was arrested after Haines was struck. A man was taken to Wangaratta police station for questioning. A counterterrorism team was activated after Haines was struck by the car. Reuters reported the arrest in Wangaratta and that Haines was in critical condition, while The Guardian reported that a man was taken to the Wangaratta station for questioning.

Haines sits in federal parliament as the independent member for Indi, a seat she holds without formal alignment to a major party. She was first elected to federal parliament in 2019, succeeding Cathy McGowan as the MP for Indi after McGowan's retirement. She serves as deputy chair of the parliamentary committee on the NACC.

The incident occurred on 19 October 2026. Haines remained in critical condition after being struck, according to NBC News.