Haines critical after emergency surgery following 'attack', as 'hero' speaks

Updated October 20 2026 - 9:47am, first published

9:03am

· Updated October 20 2026 - 9:47am, first published

9:03am

Police were still investigating as night fell in Wangaratta and Dr Helen Haines' car remains unmoved. Picture by Blair Thomson

Police including the joint counter-terrorism unit are investigating after Indi MP Helen Haines was struck near her Wangaratta office in North East Victoria.

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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese labelled the incident an "attack" and said members from the Australian Federal Police and spy agency ASIO had begun investigations alongside state authorities.

Dr Haines remained in a critical condition in a Melbourne hospital on Tuesday morning, October 20, after emergency surgery.

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"This wasn't an accident. There was a deliberate act, it would appear," Mr Albanese told the ABC's 7.30 program.

"We don't know what the motivation is. So that is the work that's being undertaken."

Police in a statement said Dr Haines was struck by a white Toyota Landcruiser driven by a man about 3.35pm.

As he exited the vehicle, the man, a 43 year-old from nearby Tarrawingee, was arrested at the scene by a passerby.

Police found a knife inside the Toyota and seized it.

Police are investigating whether the incident was an intentional act.

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