Car attack critically injured lawmaker Helen Haines; Australian prime minister says it was no accident
Haines Hospitalized After Collision
Haines, 65, was hit by a Toyota Land Cruiser SUV outside her district office in Wangaratta, in the state of Victoria. The collision happened in the middle of the afternoon, and police said she was taken to hospital with critical injuries.
Haines first won election to Parliament in 2019. The driver, 43, was arrested at the scene by a passerby, police said.
Police Investigate Possible Intent
Albanese said Australia’s national counterterrorism team, which includes police and intelligence agencies, was investigating. He told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. that it appeared to be a deliberate act, but said investigators did not yet know the motive.
Police said they were investigating whether the incident was intentional. A knife was found inside the Toyota and seized, police said; the driver is to be interviewed in connection with the incident.
Political Safety Concerns Grow
The attack has renewed concerns about the safety of Australian lawmakers, who have traditionally been accessible to the public and often worked without security officers. Albanese said political polarization had already led to security changes.
Albanese also said there had been more shouting and less civil discussion, adding that social media played a role. Police data showed more than 1,000 threats against politicians in the 2025-2026 financial year, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said Monday.
Key points
- Helen Haines was critically injured after a car struck her outside her office in Wangaratta.
- The driver was arrested at the scene, and police found a knife inside the vehicle.
- Albanese called the incident deliberate, while police said they were investigating whether it was intentional.
- Police data recorded more than 1,000 threats against politicians in the 2025-2026 financial year.