Arabic version: هيلين هاينز في حالة حرجة بعد واقعة مركبة في وانغاراتا

According to The Guardian, independent MP Helen Haines is in a critical condition after an alleged attack involving a car outside her electorate office in Wangaratta, regional Victoria, at about 3.35pm. Haines has represented the federal electorate of Indi since 2019.

A 43-year-old man from Tarrawingee is in custody. The alleged incident is being investigated by the Australian federal police, Asio and the joint counter-terror taskforce, while the motive remains unknown. Acting Supt Ashley Mason said police were investigating whether the incident was targeted, but said there was no ongoing threat to the community and nothing to indicate the parties knew each other.

The Guardian reported that a knife was allegedly found in the man’s car after he was detained by a passerby when he exited the vehicle. Victorian premier Ben Carroll said he was “deeply appalled” by the alleged violent attack and thanked police, paramedics, firefighters and witnesses for their immediate response. He said an individual had been apprehended and thanked police for their swift action.

Prime minister Anthony Albanese described Haines as a “thoroughly decent human being, full of integrity and respected right across parliament”. Messages of support also came from opposition and crossbench figures. Nationals MP Sam Birrell said the alleged attack should be a “wake-up call” and urged a lowering of the political temperature, while Victorian Nationals MP Annabelle Cleeland said violence was never the answer.

The Centre for Public Integrity said that, if intentional, the alleged incident would be an “act of democratic violence”. It cited Australian federal police data showing 1,067 reports of threatening, harassing, nuisance and offensive behaviour directed towards parliamentarians, high office holders and associated offices and facilities in 2025–26, up 12% on the previous year.