Helen Haines is in a critical condition after an alleged attack. Here’s what we know so far

A major police investigation is under way into the incident on Monday afternoon, with Victoria police, the Australian federal police, Asio and counter terrorism investigators involved.

Prime minister Anthony Albanese said Haines was allegedly “attacked” outside her electorate office in Murphy Street, Wangaratta, in northern Victoria.

Police said a 43-year-old man from Tarrawingee was allegedly involved in the incident. He was driving a white Toyota land cruiser.

He was detained by passersby after the incident and police said a knife was seized from the car.

The motive for the alleged attack is not known.

A crime scene is in place and the man has been taken to Wangaratta police station for questioning.

Police said that they were investigating whether it was an intentional act, and it was not known if “the parties are known to each other”.

No one else is being sought by police in relation to the incident.

Albanese said he was not aware of any specific threat to the Indi MP before the incident.

Haines was taken to hospital by road immediately after the attack.

In a statement, Haines’ family confirmed that she had been injured and thanked bystanders for their assistance.

Threats against federal MPs and other high profile people have been rising. In the 2025-26 financial year, more than 1060 were recorded by authorities, up from about 950 in the year before.

Leaders across parliament have sent well wishes to Haines and her family.

In a snap press conference on Monday evening, Albanese described Haines, who has represented Indi since 2019, as a “thoroughly decent human being, full of integrity and respected right across parliament”.