Australian PM calls car attack that critically injured lawmaker Helen Haines deliberate

Independent Australian federal lawmaker Helen Haines was struck by a car outside her electoral office in Wangaratta, Victoria. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the incident appeared to be a deliberate attack rather than an accident.

Haines, 65, suffered critical injuries and was taken to hospital. The driver of a Toyota Land Cruiser, a 43-year-old man, was arrested at the scene by a passerby.

Police said a knife was found and seized inside the vehicle. Officers are still determining whether the collision was intentional, and the motive is unknown. A national counterterrorism team involving police and intelligence agencies is investigating.

Haines remains critically injured

Haines was first elected to Parliament in 2019. The incident occurred mid-afternoon on Monday outside her district office.

Threats against lawmakers have risen

The attack renewed concerns about the safety of Australian politicians, who have traditionally had broad public access and often worked without security officers. Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett said in 2025 that threats against parliamentarians had doubled over three years. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said police recorded more than 1,000 threats in the 2025-2026 financial year.

Albanese linked the broader security concerns to political polarisation and social media. He said public debate had become more heated, with less polite discussion and disagreement.