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 (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/oct/19/who-is-helen-haines-the-mp-allegedly-attacked-in-victoria-ntwnfb) Helen Haines, the principled MP respected across parliament   (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/oct/19/helen-haines-alleged-attack-wangaratta-what-we-know-so-far-ntwnfb) What we know so far   Get our (https://www.theguardian.com/email-newsletters?CMP=cvau_sfl) new political email , (https://app.adjust.com/w4u7jx3) free app or (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/series/full-story?CMP=cvau_sfl) daily news podcast      Updated 3h ago            (https://www.theguardian.com/profile/caitlin-cassidy) Caitlin Cassidy and  (https://www.theguardian.com/profile/krishani-dhanji) Krishani Dhanji   Mon 19 Oct 2026 06.44 EDT  First published on Mon 19 Oct 2026 03.53 EDT   (mailto:?subject=Premier ‘deeply appalled’ after Indi MP Haines injured – as it happened&body=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/19/helen-haines-updates-independent-mp-injured-in-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb?CMP=share_btn_url) Share                   Key events  (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/19/helen-haines-updates-independent-mp-injured-in-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad5e4088f080cfdc77400d9#block-6ad5e4088f080cfdc77400d9) (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 05:36 AM Eastern Daylight Time) 4h ago  Helen Haines was scheduled to appear on the ABC’s Afternoon Briefing before alleged attack   (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/19/helen-haines-updates-independent-mp-injured-in-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad5da918f0862b813bc4c72#block-6ad5da918f0862b813bc4c72) (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 05:13 AM Eastern Daylight Time) 4h ago  Jess Wilson says violence has ‘no place’ in Victoria   (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/19/helen-haines-updates-independent-mp-injured-in-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad5d98f8f0877faff4f87f5#block-6ad5d98f8f0877faff4f87f5) (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 05:02 AM Eastern Daylight Time) 4h ago  What we know so far   (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/19/helen-haines-updates-independent-mp-injured-in-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad5da0d8f088e860bb72c9c#block-6ad5da0d8f088e860bb72c9c) (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 04:52 AM Eastern Daylight Time) 5h ago  Taylor responds to incident: ‘Australians will be angry’   (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/19/helen-haines-updates-independent-mp-injured-in-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad5d7aa8f0877faff4f87ee#block-6ad5d7aa8f0877faff4f87ee) (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 04:41 AM Eastern Daylight Time) 5h ago  Victorian premier 'deeply appalled' by alleged attack   (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/19/helen-haines-updates-independent-mp-injured-in-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad5d71b8f088e860bb72c88#block-6ad5d71b8f088e860bb72c88) (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 04:40 AM Eastern Daylight Time) 5h ago  Albanese says Asio, counter-terrorism force examining potential motive   (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/19/helen-haines-updates-independent-mp-injured-in-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad5d52a8f088e860bb72c7b#block-6ad5d52a8f088e860bb72c7b) (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 04:31 AM Eastern Daylight Time) 5h ago  'Deeply disturbing attack': Wong, Shoebridge on Haines incident   (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/19/helen-haines-updates-independent-mp-injured-in-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad5d1d68f0862b813bc4c3a#block-6ad5d1d68f0862b813bc4c3a) (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 04:19 AM Eastern Daylight Time) 5h ago  Victorian police say man arrested, woman in hospital with critical injuries   (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/19/helen-haines-updates-independent-mp-injured-in-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad5cf9a8f0877faff4f87c0#block-6ad5cf9a8f0877faff4f87c0) (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 04:09 AM Eastern Daylight Time) 5h ago  PM says suspect in custody after alleged attack on Haines   (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/19/helen-haines-updates-independent-mp-injured-in-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad5ccdf8f0877faff4f87b0#block-6ad5ccdf8f0877faff4f87b0) (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 03:55 AM Eastern Daylight Time) 5h ago  Helen Haines's family release statement                                (Helen Haines)          Independent MP Helen Haines has been injured in an incident outside her electorate office in Wangaratta. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP     (helen-haines-updates-independent-mp-injured-in-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb.html#img-1)   View image in fullscreen       Independent MP Helen Haines has been injured in an incident outside her electorate office in Wangaratta. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP             (https://www.theguardian.com/profile/caitlin-cassidy) Caitlin Cassidy and  (https://www.theguardian.com/profile/krishani-dhanji) Krishani Dhanji   Mon 19 Oct 2026 06.44 EDT  First published on Mon 19 Oct 2026 03.53 EDT   (mailto:?subject=Premier ‘deeply appalled’ after Indi MP Haines injured – as it happened&body=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/19/helen-haines-updates-independent-mp-injured-in-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb?CMP=share_btn_url) Share                  Key events  (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/19/helen-haines-updates-independent-mp-injured-in-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad5e4088f080cfdc77400d9#block-6ad5e4088f080cfdc77400d9) (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 05:36 AM Eastern Daylight Time) 4h ago  Helen Haines was scheduled to appear on the ABC’s Afternoon Briefing before alleged attack   (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/19/helen-haines-updates-independent-mp-injured-in-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad5da918f0862b813bc4c72#block-6ad5da918f0862b813bc4c72) (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 05:13 AM Eastern Daylight Time) 4h ago  Jess Wilson says violence has ‘no place’ in Victoria   (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/19/helen-haines-updates-independent-mp-injured-in-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad5d98f8f0877faff4f87f5#block-6ad5d98f8f0877faff4f87f5) (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 05:02 AM Eastern Daylight Time) 4h ago  What we know so far   (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/19/helen-haines-updates-independent-mp-injured-in-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad5da0d8f088e860bb72c9c#block-6ad5da0d8f088e860bb72c9c) (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 04:52 AM Eastern Daylight Time) 5h ago  Taylor responds to incident: ‘Australians will be angry’   (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/19/helen-haines-updates-independent-mp-injured-in-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad5d7aa8f0877faff4f87ee#block-6ad5d7aa8f0877faff4f87ee) (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 04:41 AM Eastern Daylight Time) 5h ago  Victorian premier 'deeply appalled' by alleged attack   (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/19/helen-haines-updates-independent-mp-injured-in-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad5d71b8f088e860bb72c88#block-6ad5d71b8f088e860bb72c88) (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 04:40 AM Eastern Daylight Time) 5h ago  Albanese says Asio, counter-terrorism force examining potential motive   (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/19/helen-haines-updates-independent-mp-injured-in-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad5d52a8f088e860bb72c7b#block-6ad5d52a8f088e860bb72c7b) (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 04:31 AM Eastern Daylight Time) 5h ago  'Deeply disturbing attack': Wong, Shoebridge on Haines incident   (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/19/helen-haines-updates-independent-mp-injured-in-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad5d1d68f0862b813bc4c3a#block-6ad5d1d68f0862b813bc4c3a) (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 04:19 AM Eastern Daylight Time) 5h ago  Victorian police say man arrested, woman in hospital with critical injuries   (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/19/helen-haines-updates-independent-mp-injured-in-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad5cf9a8f0877faff4f87c0#block-6ad5cf9a8f0877faff4f87c0) (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 04:09 AM Eastern Daylight Time) 5h ago  PM says suspect in custody after alleged attack on Haines   (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/19/helen-haines-updates-independent-mp-injured-in-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad5ccdf8f0877faff4f87b0#block-6ad5ccdf8f0877faff4f87b0) (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 03:55 AM Eastern Daylight Time) 5h ago  Helen Haines's family release statement                 (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/19/helen-haines-updates-independent-mp-injured-in-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad5e87f8f080cfdc77400fe#block-6ad5e87f8f080cfdc77400fe) (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 06:01 AM Eastern Daylight Time) 3h ago   06.01 EDT    We are closing the blog for the night. You can read the (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/oct/19/mp-helen-haines-injured-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb) full story on the alleged attack on Helen Haines here , and an (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/oct/19/helen-haines-alleged-attack-wangaratta-what-we-know-so-far-ntwnfb) explainer here . We’ll be back first thing tomorrow, until then, here is a rundown of what we know so far: The independent MP for Indi is in a critical condition (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/19/helen-haines-updates-independent-mp-injured-in-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad5d1d68f0862b813bc4c3a#block-6ad5d1d68f0862b813bc4c3a) after an alleged attack involving a car outside her electorate office in Wangaratta , at about 3.35pm.  A 43-year-old man from Tarrawingee is in custody, and the alleged attack is being investigated by the Australian federal police (AFP), Asio and the joint counter-terror taskforce. The motive is not yet known. A knife was allegedly found in his car after he was detained by a passerby when he exited his vehicle.  Well-wishes towards Haines have flowed in from across the political spectrum. (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/19/helen-haines-updates-independent-mp-injured-in-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad5cf9a8f0877faff4f87c0#block-6ad5cf9a8f0877faff4f87c0) The prime minister held a snap press conference on Monday evening where he described Haines, who has represented Indi since 2019, as a “thoroughly decent human being, full of integrity and respected right across parliament”.  (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/19/helen-haines-updates-independent-mp-injured-in-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad5d52a8f088e860bb72c7b#block-6ad5d52a8f088e860bb72c7b) The opposition leader, the Greens leader  (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/19/helen-haines-updates-independent-mp-injured-in-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad5d52a8f088e860bb72c7b#block-6ad5d52a8f088e860bb72c7b) David Shoebridge  (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/19/helen-haines-updates-independent-mp-injured-in-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad5d52a8f088e860bb72c7b#block-6ad5d52a8f088e860bb72c7b) , One Nation leader  (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/19/helen-haines-updates-independent-mp-injured-in-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad5d52a8f088e860bb72c7b#block-6ad5d52a8f088e860bb72c7b) Pauline Hanson  and a string of independent and Nationals MPs have also sent their thoughts to Haines and her family, with many describing Haines as representing “the very best” in parliament.  Thoughts and prayers for Haines came amid calls to lower the political temperature in Australia. Nationals MP in the neighbouring electorate of Nicholls, Sam Birrell , said the way people were engaging had become “more angry and heated”, and added (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/19/helen-haines-updates-independent-mp-injured-in-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad5e1798f0877faff4f884a#block-6ad5e1798f0877faff4f884a) the alleged attack should be a “wake-up call” .  Addressing the media in Wangaratta, Acting Supt Ashley Mason said police were still investigating whether the incident was targeted. He said there was (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/19/helen-haines-updates-independent-mp-injured-in-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad5d3618f088e860bb72c6d#block-6ad5d3618f088e860bb72c6d) no ongoing threat to the community and nothing to indicate the parties were known to each other.   (mailto:?subject=Premier ‘deeply appalled’ after Indi MP Haines injured – as it happened&body=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/19/helen-haines-updates-independent-mp-injured-in-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb?CMP=share_btn_url&page=with%3Ablock-6ad5e87f8f080cfdc77400fe#block-6ad5e87f8f080cfdc77400fe) Share     Updated at (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 06:12 AM Eastern Daylight Time) 06.12 EDT        (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/19/helen-haines-updates-independent-mp-injured-in-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad5e3b58f080cfdc77400cd#block-6ad5e3b58f080cfdc77400cd) (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 05:50 AM Eastern Daylight Time) 4h ago   05.50 EDT    Rise in threats towards parliamentarians should ‘alarm every Australian’, Centre for Public Integrity says  The Centre for Public Integrity, an independent research institute that has had a longstanding relationship with (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/helen-haines) Helen Haines , says if the alleged incident was intentional, it would be an “act of democratic violence”. In a statement, it said it was “devastated” by the reports, describing Haines as an “extraordinary parliamentarian and an extraordinary person”. double quotation mark   Helen is one of Australia’s most effective and determined champions of integrity in public life. Here at the Centre for Public Integrity we have been proud to work alongside her in many campaigns … Today, we welcomed the announcement of a new National Anti-Corruption Commissioner following a transparent and merit-based appointment process, precisely the type of reform Helen has long championed.  The body said it was “shocked by the increasingly hostile environment in which Australian parliamentarians are working”.     (Helen Haines, Australian MP, with short grey hair and glasses, wearing a white blazer)   (helen-haines-updates-independent-mp-injured-in-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb.html#img-2)   View image in fullscreen       Champion of integrity … Helen Haines. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAPIMAGE/AP  It pointed to Australian federal police data which showed it received 1,067 reports of threatening, harassing, nuisance and offensive behaviour directed towards parliamentarians, high office holders and associated offices and facilities in 2025–26, an increase of 12% on the previous year. double quotation mark   These figures should alarm every Australian. Our democracy depends on people being willing and able to serve their communities, engage openly with the public and advocate for what they believe in, without fear for their personal safety.  (mailto:?subject=Premier ‘deeply appalled’ after Indi MP Haines injured – as it happened&body=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/19/helen-haines-updates-independent-mp-injured-in-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb?CMP=share_btn_url&page=with%3Ablock-6ad5e3b58f080cfdc77400cd#block-6ad5e3b58f080cfdc77400cd) Share     Updated at (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 05:58 AM Eastern Daylight Time) 05.58 EDT      (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/19/helen-haines-updates-independent-mp-injured-in-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad5e54f8f08d1160663463d#block-6ad5e54f8f08d1160663463d) (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 05:46 AM Eastern Daylight Time) 4h ago   05.46 EDT    ‘Lower the temperature’, Nationals MP urges  The Victorian state member for Euroa, Nationals MP Annabelle Cleeland , has shared sentiments we heard earlier from the federal MP for her region, Sam Birrell , about the need to lower the temperature across the political divide. In a statement, she said she was “shocked and appalled” about the alleged attack on (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/helen-haines) Helen Haines and “violence is never the answer”. double quotation mark   Tonight is a reminder of why it matters to turn down the heat. Our democracy depends on people being able to disagree without fear. The way we speak about each other matters, and every one of us has a responsibility to lower the temperature of our political debate.      (Annabelle Cleeland and daughter Sigrid, wearing wide-brimmed hats, sit beside hay bales)   (helen-haines-updates-independent-mp-injured-in-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb.html#img-3)   View image in fullscreen       ‘Violence is never the answer’ … Annabelle Cleeland, member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly. Photograph: Ellen Smith/The Guardian  Similarly, Tim McCurdy , the Nationals member for the Victorian seat of Ovens Valley, which centres on Wangaratta said: double quotation mark   At a time like this, my thoughts are first and foremost with Helen herself and her loved ones. She is a proud representative of our community and above all, a decent human being who does not deserve this.  And Warringah MP Zali Steggall , who sits next to Helen Haines in Parliament and has worked with her since 2019 when they were both elected, says she is “shocked and devastated” by the news. She said: double quotation mark   She is a wonderful, caring, smart and wise friend and amazing representative for her community. I am thinking of Helen and her wonderful family.   (mailto:?subject=Premier ‘deeply appalled’ after Indi MP Haines injured – as it happened&body=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/19/helen-haines-updates-independent-mp-injured-in-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb?CMP=share_btn_url&page=with%3Ablock-6ad5e54f8f08d1160663463d#block-6ad5e54f8f08d1160663463d) Share     Updated at (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 06:02 AM Eastern Daylight Time) 06.02 EDT        (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/19/helen-haines-updates-independent-mp-injured-in-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad5e0e18f088e860bb72ced#block-6ad5e0e18f088e860bb72ced) (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 05:41 AM Eastern Daylight Time) 4h ago   05.41 EDT   (Benita Kolovos)   Benita Kolovos   Helen Haines ‘adored by her community’, Animal Justice party MP, Georgie Purcell, says  The Animal Justice party MP, Georgie Purcell , whose Victorian upper house region of northern (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/victoria) Victoria overlaps with parts of Helen Haines ’s seat of Indi, has described the independent as an “absolute powerhouse” who is “adored by her community”. double quotation mark   This shocking [alleged] attack will rattle the entire nation, but especially the people of Indi. And while a motivation is yet to be confirmed, I know this will also send chills down the spines of women in parliaments across the country, as well as candidates contesting the Victorian state election.  She says being a woman in politics “changes the way you move throughout the world”, including where they park your car, the route to drive home or if they hold public events or keep their office doors locked. Purcell went on: double quotation mark   For many of us, the news coming out of Wangaratta this evening is our worst nightmare. Only weeks ago I spoke in parliament about the escalating safety fears of women in public life – just as I have countless times before. We cannot continue to encourage women to put themselves forward for public office while failing to address the growing threats to our safety. Our parliaments and communities are better off because of people like Helen – a nurse and midwife who has advocated for regional Victoria relentlessly. We will all be poorer for it if people like her cannot safely participate in our democracy.  (mailto:?subject=Premier ‘deeply appalled’ after Indi MP Haines injured – as it happened&body=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/19/helen-haines-updates-independent-mp-injured-in-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb?CMP=share_btn_url&page=with%3Ablock-6ad5e0e18f088e860bb72ced#block-6ad5e0e18f088e860bb72ced) Share     Updated at (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 05:52 AM Eastern Daylight Time) 05.52 EDT    (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/19/helen-haines-updates-independent-mp-injured-in-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad5e4088f080cfdc77400d9#block-6ad5e4088f080cfdc77400d9) (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 05:36 AM Eastern Daylight Time) 4h ago   05.36 EDT   Helen Haines was scheduled to appear on the ABC’s Afternoon Briefing before alleged attack  The host of the ABC’s Afternoon Briefing Patricia Karvelas has just told the public broadcaster that Helen Haines was due to appear on her program before the alleged attack occurred. Visibly emotional, Karvelas said Haines was to speak about the National Anti-Corruption Commission, for which she has been a long-time advocate, prior to the incident occurring. double quotation mark   She couldn’t do the interview … because she was [allegedly] brutally attacked. She couldn’t do her democratic job … because of this. It’s horrific, I think, and I’m quite upset by it.  (mailto:?subject=Premier ‘deeply appalled’ after Indi MP Haines injured – as it happened&body=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/19/helen-haines-updates-independent-mp-injured-in-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb?CMP=share_btn_url&page=with%3Ablock-6ad5e4088f080cfdc77400d9#block-6ad5e4088f080cfdc77400d9) Share     Updated at (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 06:03 AM Eastern Daylight Time) 06.03 EDT      (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/19/helen-haines-updates-independent-mp-injured-in-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad5e1798f0877faff4f884a#block-6ad5e1798f0877faff4f884a) (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 05:29 AM Eastern Daylight Time) 4h ago   05.29 EDT    Nationals MP in neighbouring electorate says alleged attack should be a wake-up call  The Nationals member for Nicholls, Sam Birrell , is appearing on ABC News. Birrell’s electorate neighbours Indi and shares a long border. He says he is feeling “shocked”, having recently seen Helen Haines at an event in Euroa with the governor general. double quotation mark   Helen is a friend, we have our political differences but share a long electorate border … Helen Haines is not a divisive figure … She’s a regional MP … just a local hard-working MP like I try to be and a lot of my colleagues. To have something like this occur in Wangaratta … That’s the particular element that has sent a shock wave for me but also my colleagues.  Birrell says he won’t change his conduct in light of the alleged attack, adding “we don’t hate each other in parliament”, but points to rising anger he’s seen in the community. double quotation mark   We see each other as colleagues … It’s a real feature of the Australian democracy that you can [come up to the local MP]. I don’t want to see that lost. I think we’ve all noticed the way people engage on social media and with our offices … has become more angry and heated. I agree with the prime minister that we need to take the temperature down.  (mailto:?subject=Premier ‘deeply appalled’ after Indi MP Haines injured – as it happened&body=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/19/helen-haines-updates-independent-mp-injured-in-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb?CMP=share_btn_url&page=with%3Ablock-6ad5e1798f0877faff4f884a#block-6ad5e1798f0877faff4f884a) Share     Updated at (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 06:03 AM Eastern Daylight Time) 06.03 EDT      (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/19/helen-haines-updates-independent-mp-injured-in-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad5e03d8f0862b813bc4cb1#block-6ad5e03d8f0862b813bc4cb1) (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 05:20 AM Eastern Daylight Time) 4h ago   05.20 EDT   (Sarah Basford Canales)   Sarah Basford Canales   Neighbouring MP, David Farley, wishes (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/helen-haines) Helen Haines the ‘tenacity and strength of Hercules’ to recover  Across the Murray river in the neighbouring federal electorate of Farrer, One Nation MP, David Farley , said he was at home digesting the news. In a statement, he said: double quotation mark   Wishing Helen Haines the tenacity & strength of Hercules to recover from her horrific injuries.  Helen is the best of all of us, great representative, tenacious politician, genuine and authentic Australian.   Our prayers across Farrer are with Helen and family tonight.   We brought you the statement from One Nation leader, Pauline Hanson , earlier, who said “violence against any elected representative, whoever they are and whatever they stand for, is never acceptable in Australia”. (mailto:?subject=Premier ‘deeply appalled’ after Indi MP Haines injured – as it happened&body=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/19/helen-haines-updates-independent-mp-injured-in-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb?CMP=share_btn_url&page=with%3Ablock-6ad5e03d8f0862b813bc4cb1#block-6ad5e03d8f0862b813bc4cb1) Share         (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/19/helen-haines-updates-independent-mp-injured-in-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad5da918f0862b813bc4c72#block-6ad5da918f0862b813bc4c72) (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 05:13 AM Eastern Daylight Time) 4h ago   05.13 EDT   Jess Wilson says violence has ‘no place’ in Victoria (Benita Kolovos)   Benita Kolovos   The Victorian opposition leader, Jess Wilson , says she’s deeply shocked about the “terrible” alleged attack on Haines. Her statement reads: double quotation mark   My thoughts are with Helen, her family, friends and staff at this incredibly difficult time. I know Victorians everywhere will be hoping for her recovery. I want to thank the bystanders who rushed to help, along with Victoria Police, paramedics and the medical professionals caring for Helen. The circumstances of this [alleged] attack are deeply concerning, and it is important that police are given every opportunity to establish exactly what happened. Violence of this kind has no place in our state.  She added that she had spoken with premier Ben Carroll this evening and the duo are “united in our resolve that such extreme acts cannot be tolerated in a democratic society.” Wilson said: double quotation mark   Helen is a dedicated and decent person who has spent years standing up for her community. Right now, our thoughts are with her and those closest to her.  The deputy premier of Victoria, Gabrielle Williams , also threw her support behind Haines. In a statement posted to social media, she said she was “deeply shocked” and her heart went out to Haines, her family and friends. double quotation mark   Helen is a fierce advocate for her community in Indi, and I know they’ll be feeling this deeply as well.  (mailto:?subject=Premier ‘deeply appalled’ after Indi MP Haines injured – as it happened&body=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/19/helen-haines-updates-independent-mp-injured-in-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb?CMP=share_btn_url&page=with%3Ablock-6ad5da918f0862b813bc4c72#block-6ad5da918f0862b813bc4c72) Share     Updated at (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 06:02 AM Eastern Daylight Time) 06.02 EDT    (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/19/helen-haines-updates-independent-mp-injured-in-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad5db218f088e860bb72ca9#block-6ad5db218f088e860bb72ca9) (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 05:04 AM Eastern Daylight Time) 4h ago   05.04 EDT    Spender says many have feared a violent incident against an Australian politician  Spender says many people have feared that there would be a violent incident against an Australian politician. Police are still investigating whether the incident involving (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/helen-haines) Helen Haines was an intentional act. Earlier this evening, the home affairs minister, Tony Burke, said the number of reports of harassment and threatening behaviour against MPs and high office holders had increased since last year. Spender tells ABC’s 7.30: double quotation mark   Look, I think we’ve seen an increase in, in violent language and also, you know, sort of some of the actions of jostling and other kind of actions against politicians. And I think many people have feared that there would be some sort of violent incident against Australian politicians. And I think this is of huge concern because I think we take pride in the fact that in Australia, you know, politicians are just like anybody else.  Asked about incidents overseas, including in the UK where multiple MPs have been killed in recent years, she says everyone needs to tone down their language. double quotation mark   You can’t control everything, including you know, and we don’t know the circumstances of this. But you know, we have always, we’ve done better in this country and we have to continue to do better. Frankly, you know, the sort of abuse of people in our hospitals, in our supermarkets. This is part of a trend that we, I think as a country, not just as politicians. We need to step up for and say, you know what? You know, we behave in a way that we don’t want to see this sort of violence in language or violence in attitude. And I think we collectively are responsible for that.      (Independent member for Wentworth, Allegra Spender, with Haines.)   (helen-haines-updates-independent-mp-injured-in-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb.html#img-4)   View image in fullscreen       Independent member for Wentworth, Allegra Spender, with Haines. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP  (mailto:?subject=Premier ‘deeply appalled’ after Indi MP Haines injured – as it happened&body=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/19/helen-haines-updates-independent-mp-injured-in-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb?CMP=share_btn_url&page=with%3Ablock-6ad5db218f088e860bb72ca9#block-6ad5db218f088e860bb72ca9) Share     Updated at (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 05:22 AM Eastern Daylight Time) 05.22 EDT        (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/19/helen-haines-updates-independent-mp-injured-in-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad5d98f8f0877faff4f87f5#block-6ad5d98f8f0877faff4f87f5) (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 05:02 AM Eastern Daylight Time) 4h ago   05.02 EDT   What we know so far  If you’re just joining us, here’s a recap of what we know so far after the alleged attack on the independent member for Indi, Helen Haines.  Haines has been critically injured in an alleged attack involving a car outside her electorate office in Wangaratta, regional (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/victoria) Victoria , at about 3.35pm.  A 43-year-old man from Tarrawingee is in custody, and the alleged attack is being investigated by the Australian federal police (AFP), Asio and the joint counter-terror taskforce. The motive is not yet known. A knife was allegedly found in his car after he was detained by a passerby when he exited his vehicle.  The prime minister, the opposition leader, the Greens leader David Shoebridge , One Nation head Pauline Hanson and politicians across the parliament have sent their thoughts and well wishes to Haines and her family.  In a snap press conference on Monday evening, Anthony Albanese described Haines, who has represented Indi since 2019, as a “thoroughly decent human being, full of integrity and respected right across parliament”.  Addressing the media in Wangaratta, Acting Supt Ashley Mason said police were still investigating whether the incident was targeted. He said there was no ongoing threat to the community and nothing to indicate the parties were known to each other.       (Police cordon of the street near Helen Haines’ electoral office.)   (helen-haines-updates-independent-mp-injured-in-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb.html#img-5)   View image in fullscreen       Police cordon of the street near Helen Haines’s electoral office. Photograph: ABC  (mailto:?subject=Premier ‘deeply appalled’ after Indi MP Haines injured – as it happened&body=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/19/helen-haines-updates-independent-mp-injured-in-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb?CMP=share_btn_url&page=with%3Ablock-6ad5d98f8f0877faff4f87f5#block-6ad5d98f8f0877faff4f87f5) Share     Updated at (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 05:52 AM Eastern Daylight Time) 05.52 EDT      (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/19/helen-haines-updates-independent-mp-injured-in-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad5da568f0862b813bc4c6e#block-6ad5da568f0862b813bc4c6e) (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 04:55 AM Eastern Daylight Time) 4h ago   04.55 EDT    Haines is ‘really inspirational’, says Spender  Allegra Spender , who sits on the crossbench with Helen Haines , calls her one of the most outstanding people in parliament. She tells ABC’s 7.30 Haines interrogates issues thoroughly but with enormous respect. Spender says she found out about the incident from her colleagues. double quotation mark   Helen is the best of us. Like, Helen is one of the most outstanding people in parliament. She’s really inspirational. I often go and talk to her, particularly if I’m looking at regional and rural issues and get her perspective on what her community thinks. But also, you know, … You see her with ministers, for instance. She takes the work incredibly seriously. She interrogates the issues very seriously, but with enormous respect and with a very civilised approach.  (mailto:?subject=Premier ‘deeply appalled’ after Indi MP Haines injured – as it happened&body=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/19/helen-haines-updates-independent-mp-injured-in-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb?CMP=share_btn_url&page=with%3Ablock-6ad5da568f0862b813bc4c6e#block-6ad5da568f0862b813bc4c6e) Share     Updated at (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 05:22 AM Eastern Daylight Time) 05.22 EDT      1 of 3  (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/19/helen-haines-updates-independent-mp-injured-in-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad5da1c8f0877faff4f87fa#liveblog-navigation) Next    (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/19/helen-haines-updates-independent-mp-injured-in-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad5cafa8f0877faff4f87a8#liveblog-navigation) Oldest     (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/19/helen-haines-updates-independent-mp-injured-in-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad5cafa8f0877faff4f87a8#liveblog-navigation) Oldest            Explore more on these topics (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/helen-haines) Helen Haines  (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/australian-politics) Australian politics  (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/victoria) Victoria    (mailto:?subject=Premier ‘deeply appalled’ after Indi MP Haines injured – as it happened&body=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/19/helen-haines-updates-independent-mp-injured-in-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb?CMP=share_btn_url) Share     (https://syndication.theguardian.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theguardian.com%2Faustralia-news%2Flive%2F2026%2Foct%2F19%2Fhelen-haines-updates-independent-mp-injured-in-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb&type=article&internalpagecode=australia-news/live/2026/oct/19/helen-haines-updates-independent-mp-injured-in-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb) (Reuse this content) Reuse this content                    More on this story                        More on this story                       (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/oct/19/mp-helen-haines-injured-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb)    ()      ‘Deeply appalled’: politicians condemn alleged attack after independent MP Helen Haines critically injured   (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 07:10 AM Eastern Daylight Time) 2h ago           (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/audio/2026/oct/16/monique-ryan-on-labors-difficult-week-and-josh-frydenbergs-possible-return-australian-politics-podcast)    ()      Australian Politics Monique Ryan on Labor’s difficult week and Josh Frydenberg’s possible return – Australian Politics podcast   (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 01:31 AM Eastern Daylight Time) 8h ago           (https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/jun/26/the-community-strong-australia-partys-reason-over-rage-sounds-good-to-me-can-it-appeal-to-one-nation-voters-too)    ()      double quotation mark   The Community Strong Australia party’s ‘reason over rage’ sounds good to me. Can it appeal to One Nation voters too?   (Thursday, June 25, 2026 at 07:52 PM Eastern Daylight Time) 25 Jun 2026  (https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/jun/26/the-community-strong-australia-partys-reason-over-rage-sounds-good-to-me-can-it-appeal-to-one-nation-voters-too#comments)    … … comments            (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/jun/26/new-political-party-zali-steggall-allegra-spender-independents-teals-community-strong-australia-explained)    ()      Zali Steggall and Allegra Spender have a new party – but what does it stand for and who will join?   (Thursday, June 25, 2026 at 11:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time) 25 Jun 2026           (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/jun/25/zali-steggall-and-allegra-spender-launch-new-party-aimed-at-political-centre-promising-reason-over-rage)    ()      Zali Steggall and Allegra Spender launch new party aimed at political centre, promising ‘reason over rage’   (Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at 04:33 PM Eastern Daylight Time) 24 Jun 2026           (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/jun/22/zali-steggall-teal-party-launch)    ()      Zali Steggall expected to launch teal party after months of secret talks   (Monday, June 22, 2026 at 01:36 AM Eastern Daylight Time) 22 Jun 2026           (https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/may/31/teal-party-independents-strengthen-centrist-bloc-australian-politics)    ()      double quotation mark   Forming a party wouldn’t make independents less independent. It would strengthen a centrist bloc   (Saturday, May 30, 2026 at 04:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time) 30 May 2026  (https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/may/31/teal-party-independents-strengthen-centrist-bloc-australian-politics#comments)    … … comments            (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/audio/2026/may/28/newsroom-edition-why-a-teal-party-could-backfire-full-story-podcast)    ()      Full Story Newsroom Edition: Why a ‘teal party’ could backfire – Full Story podcast   (Thursday, May 28, 2026 at 04:30 PM Eastern Daylight Time) 28 May 2026           (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/may/26/teals-eye-party-structure-to-fill-liberal-vacuum-and-counter-one-nation)    ()      The ‘teal party’ was once used to undermine independent MPs. So why would they try to make it a reality?   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