Australian woman lawmaker critically injured in vehicle attack; driver arrested

Australian independent lawmaker Helen Haines was critically injured after being hit by a car outside her electoral office in Wangaratta, Victoria, on Monday. Prime minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that a suspect was in custody, as a counter-terrorism taskforce was activated to assist the investigation.

Haines, 65, was hit by a Toyota Land Cruiser outside her district office in Wangaratta, about three hours’ drive north-east of Melbourne, according to Victoria Police. She was airlifted to hospital with critical injuries, Albanese said.

Her family subsequently confirmed her identity in a statement, while police had initially withheld the victim’s name in accordance with privacy protocols. “All of our thoughts are with Helen, her family, her friends, her team, and her community at this extremely difficult time. We are praying for her full recovery,” Albanese said at a press conference.

He also thanked emergency responders for their efforts, adding, “I want to thank the first responders for their extraordinary work. There is a major police investigation underway and I can confirm that the suspect is in custody.” The Australian prime minister said it was too early to establish the motive behind the incident. He confirmed that a counter-terrorism taskforce had been activated to investigate the suspect.

A 43-year-old driver had been arrested at the scene following the incident. According to a police statement, “A knife was located by police and seized from inside the Toyota.” Police added, “At this stage, police are investigating as to whether this was an intentional act.”

Acting superintendent Ashley Mason told news agency AP, there was no further threat to the public. The driver was expected to be interviewed as investigators worked to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Haines’ family thanked those who assisted her following the attack. “We thank the swift assistance of bystanders and the dedicated health workers who assisted her, and police for their response,” a statement posted on her Facebook page said.

First elected to Parliament in 2019, Haines is an independent representative from Victoria. The incident has renewed attention on the safety of Australian politicians, who have traditionally maintained relatively direct access to constituents.

Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett said in 2025 that threats against parliamentarians had doubled over the preceding three years. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said on Monday that police data recorded more than 1,000 threats against politicians during the 2025–26 financial year.