Australian lawmaker Helen Haines critically injured in deliberate car attack

2026-10-20

Independent MP Helen Haines was critically injured when a car struck her outside her electorate office in Wangaratta, Victoria; police allege the attack was targeted.
A 43-year-old man was charged with intentionally causing serious injury, dangerous driving causing serious injury and harming a federal official.
Haines had both legs amputated during emergency surgeries; her condition was later described as serious but stable.
The accused says he panicked after accidentally hitting Haines; police have not publicly established a motive.
Local barber Ricky Jefferies helped restrain the driver after the collision.
The government will fast-track an independent security review, and at least nine MPs’ electorate offices are to receive accelerated security upgrades.

'Determined to make sure we do everything': Albanese reacts to MPs' calls for duress alarms (SBS News)
Helen Haines’ condition revealed in health update as police probe motive behind alleged attack (7NEWS)
MP Allegra Spender shares Helen Haines’ first words upon waking in hospital after horror alleged attack (7NEWS)
'A stone in our hearts': Tears as colleagues honour MP who lost legs (Otago Daily Times)
Brendan Nugent claims he panicked after hitting Helen Haines accidentally with his car (The Age)
Australian prime minister says lawmaker critically injured by car is ‘no accident’ (Euronews)
Lawmaker reportedly loses leg as car ramming stuns Australia (NBC News)
What would Helen do? A powerful message from Parliament (SBS News)
‘You’re gonna have to kill me’: Alleged MP attacker in earlier police stand-off (WA Today)
رئيس وزراء أستراليا: المهاجم الذي صدم نائبة بسيارته كان متعمدا (Masrawy)
Albanese confirms bolstered security for MPs after Haines attack (The Age)
Dezi Freeman and Helen Haines’ alleged attacker needed mental health help before attacks. None came (WA Today)
Australian lawmaker hurt in car attack loses leg, media reports (Free Malaysia Today)
Australian police charge man over ‘targeted’ attack on lawmaker (Free Malaysia Today)
Hasty reactions to the Helen Haines attack reveal a deeper public rage (WA Today)
Horror and disbelief after lawmaker attacked in rural Australia (Free Malaysia Today)
Attack on Australian politician follows years of threats to public figures (Free Malaysia Today)