Member of the Australian Parliament, Helen Haines, has been struck by a vehicle outside of her office in regional Victoria on Monday afternoon.
A statement by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the 65-year-old was struck by a car outside her office in Wangaratta just before 4:00 p.m.
“This afternoon, Helen Haines, the member of the Indi, was attacked outside her electoral office in Wangaratta,” Mr Albanese noted. “All our thoughts are with Haines, her family, her friends, her team and her community at this extremely difficult time.”
While noting that the motive behind the attack remained unknown, the prime minister confirmed that a suspect had been taken into custody.
“There was a major police investigation underway and I came confirm that a suspect is in custody. We are praying for her full recovery. I want to thank the first responders for their extraordinary work,” Mr Albanese noted.
Meanwhile, the victim’s family confirmed that she was receiving medical treatment after the incident.
“We thank the swift assistance of bystanders and the dedicated health workers who assisted her, and police for their response. Our family, and Helen’s staff, will be making no further comment at this time, and ask that their privacy be respected by the public and media. Please keep Helen in your thoughts,” the statement noted.
Ms Haines has represented the seat of Indi as the federal member since 2019.
The incident came amid a surge in hostility and threatening behaviour against high office holders in the country.
Home affairs minister Tony Burke noted that between 2024 and 2025, the Australian federal police received 951 reports of violent threats and harassment targeting public-facing roles, including federal politicians.
He added that there had been 1,007 reports in the 2025-26 financial year.
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