20 October 2026A vehicle allegedly struck independent MP Helen Haines outside her Wangaratta office, prompting a review of security for politicians.
Featured image: Wangaratta, Victoria. Photo: Mattinbgn (talk · contribs), CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Key facts
- The incident happened outside Helen Haines’s electorate office in Wangaratta, Victoria, on 19 October.
- A 43-year-old man was detained by bystanders and arrested, and was later charged.
- The AFP Commissioner said the incident appears isolated, with no known threats.
- Nine politicians’ offices are being made safer.
- Donations to Save the Children passed $600,000 within 24 hours.
What happened
Independent MP Helen Haines was allegedly hit by a vehicle outside her electorate office in Wangaratta late on 19 October and was taken to hospital in Melbourne in a critical condition. A 43-year-old man was detained by bystanders and arrested. A vigil was held for the MP.
AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett said the incident appears isolated, with no known threats, and that any charges could include Commonwealth offences. By 24 October the MP’s condition had been upgraded from critical to serious but stable, and the man had been charged.
Threats against politicians
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said reports of harassing or threatening behaviour towards high office holders rose from 951 to 1,067 across the two most recent financial years. ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess said politically motivated violence is more likely than in past years, and the National Terrorism Threat Level remains at probable. Health Minister Mark Butler said threats have doubled over five years.
Community response
Save the Children said more than $600,000 had been donated within 24 hours after the MP’s husband asked for donations to the charity instead of flowers. Chief executive Matt Tinkler said the charity was humbled by the response.
Security upgrades
By 27 October nine politicians’ offices were being made safer. Liberal MP Leon Rebello said there is a significant gap in security for less well-known MPs compared with senior parliamentarians. Independent MP Allegra Spender said the injured MP remained in a stable condition.
