Helen Haines: independent MP in critical condition in Melbourne’s Alfred hospital after being struck by car in Wangaratta  – follow updates | Australia news | The Guardian  (helen-haines-independent-mp-alleged-car-attack-wangaratta-melbourne-hospital-ntwnfb.html)   (../../../../../../assets.guim.co.uk/static/frontend/manifest.json)  (https://assets.guim.co.uk/static/frontend/icons/homescreen/apple-touch-icon.svg) (https://assets.guim.co.uk/static/frontend/icons/homescreen/apple-touch-icon-512.png) (https://assets.guim.co.uk/static/frontend/icons/homescreen/apple-touch-icon-360.png) (https://assets.guim.co.uk/static/frontend/icons/homescreen/apple-touch-icon-240.png) (https://assets.guim.co.uk/static/frontend/icons/homescreen/apple-touch-icon-120.png) (../../../../../../static.guim.co.uk/images/favicon-32x32.ico) (https://assets.guim.co.uk/) (https://i.guim.co.uk) (https://j.ophan.co.uk) (https://ophan.theguardian.com) (https://sourcepoint.theguardian.com) (https://assets.guim.co.uk/) (https://i.guim.co.uk) (https://j.ophan.co.uk) (https://ophan.theguardian.com) (https://api.nextgen.guardianapps.co.uk) (https://hits-secure.theguardian.com) (https://interactive.guim.co.uk) (https://static.theguardian.com) (https://support.theguardian.com) (https://assets.guim.co.uk/static/frontend/fonts/guardian-headline/noalts-not-hinted/GHGuardianHeadline-Bold.woff2) (https://assets.guim.co.uk/static/frontend/fonts/guardian-textegyptian/noalts-not-hinted/GuardianTextEgyptian-Regular.woff2)                                 (../../../../../../assets.guim.co.uk/static/frontend/css/print.css)  (helen-haines-independent-mp-alleged-car-attack-wangaratta-melbourne-hospital-ntwnfb.html#maincontent) Skip to main content (helen-haines-independent-mp-alleged-car-attack-wangaratta-melbourne-hospital-ntwnfb.html#navigation) Skip to navigation (Close [ESC or Q])   Close dialogue  1 / 2   (Next image [→])   Next image  (Previous image [←])   Previous image  (Toggle caption [i])   Toggle caption        (helen-haines-independent-mp-alleged-car-attack-wangaratta-melbourne-hospital-ntwnfb.html#key-events-carousel) Skip to key events                  (https://support.theguardian.com/subscribe/weekly?REFPVID=undefined&INTCMP=undefined&acquisitionData=%7B%22source%22%3A%22GUARDIAN_WEB%22%2C%22componentId%22%3A%22PrintSubscriptionsHeaderLink%22%2C%22componentType%22%3A%22ACQUISITIONS_HEADER%22%2C%22referrerUrl%22%3A%22%22%7D) Print subscriptions   (https://www.theguardian.com/email-newsletters) Newsletters   (https://profile.theguardian.com/signin?INTCMP=DOTCOM_NEWHEADER_SIGNIN&ABCMP=ab-sign-in&componentEventParams=componentType%3Didentityauthentication%26componentId%3Dguardian_signin_header)   Sign in        US  (https://www.theguardian.com/preference/edition/us) US edition  (https://www.theguardian.com/preference/edition/uk) UK edition  (https://www.theguardian.com/preference/edition/au) Australia edition  (https://www.theguardian.com/preference/edition/eur) Europe edition  (https://www.theguardian.com/preference/edition/int) International edition      (https://www.theguardian.com/) The Guardian - Back to home             The Guardian    (https://www.theguardian.com/) News  (https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree) Opinion  (https://www.theguardian.com/sport) Sport  (https://www.theguardian.com/culture) Culture  (https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle) Lifestyle    Show more    Hide expanded menu       News (https://www.theguardian.com/) View all News  (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news) US news  (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/us-politics) US politics  (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/us-midterm-elections-2026) Midterms 2026  (https://www.theguardian.com/world) World news  (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-crisis) Climate crisis  (https://www.theguardian.com/world/middleeast) Middle East  (https://www.theguardian.com/world/ukraine) Ukraine  (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/usimmigration) US immigration  (https://www.theguardian.com/us/soccer) Soccer  (https://www.theguardian.com/us/business) Business  (https://www.theguardian.com/us/environment) Environment  (https://www.theguardian.com/us/technology) Tech  (https://www.theguardian.com/science) Science  (https://www.theguardian.com/email-newsletters) Newsletters  (https://www.theguardian.com/thefilter-us) The Filter  (https://www.theguardian.com/us/wellness) Wellness      Opinion (https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree) View all Opinion  (https://www.theguardian.com/profile/editorial) The Guardian view  (https://www.theguardian.com/us/columnists) Columnists  (https://www.theguardian.com/tone/letters) Letters  (https://www.theguardian.com/type/video+tone/comment) Opinion videos  (https://www.theguardian.com/tone/cartoons) Cartoons      Sport (https://www.theguardian.com/sport) View all Sport  (https://www.theguardian.com/us/soccer) Soccer  (https://www.theguardian.com/sport/nfl) NFL  (https://www.theguardian.com/sport/tennis) Tennis  (https://www.theguardian.com/sport/mlb) MLB  (https://www.theguardian.com/football/mls) MLS  (https://www.theguardian.com/sport/nba) NBA  (https://www.theguardian.com/sport/wnba) WNBA  (https://www.theguardian.com/sport/nhl) NHL  (https://www.theguardian.com/sport/formulaone) F1  (https://www.theguardian.com/sport/golf) Golf      Culture (https://www.theguardian.com/culture) View all Culture  (https://www.theguardian.com/film) Film  (https://www.theguardian.com/books) Books  (https://www.theguardian.com/music) Music  (https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign) Art & design  (https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio) TV & radio  (https://www.theguardian.com/stage) Stage  (https://www.theguardian.com/music/classicalmusicandopera) Classical  (https://www.theguardian.com/games) Games  (https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/series/design-a-better-world) Design a better world      Lifestyle (https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle) View all Lifestyle  (https://www.theguardian.com/thefilter-us) The Filter  (https://www.theguardian.com/us/wellness) Wellness  (https://www.theguardian.com/fashion) Fashion  (https://www.theguardian.com/food) Food  (https://www.theguardian.com/tone/recipes) Recipes  (https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/love-and-sex) Love & sex  (https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/home-and-garden) Home & garden  (https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/health-and-wellbeing) Health & fitness  (https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/family) Family  (https://www.theguardian.com/travel) Travel  (https://www.theguardian.com/money) Money    Search input  (Search the Guardian)  google-search   Search       (www.theguardian.com)      (https://support.theguardian.com?acquisitionData=%7B%22source%22:%22GUARDIAN_WEB%22,%22componentType%22:%22ACQUISITIONS_HEADER%22,%22componentId%22:%22side_menu_support%22%7D&INTCMP=side_menu_support) Support us  (https://support.theguardian.com/subscribe/weekly?REFPVID=undefined&INTCMP=undefined&acquisitionData=%7B%22source%22%3A%22GUARDIAN_WEB%22%2C%22componentId%22%3A%22PrintSubscriptionsHeaderLink%22%2C%22componentType%22%3A%22ACQUISITIONS_HEADER%22%2C%22referrerUrl%22%3A%22%22%7D) Print subscriptions  (https://www.theguardian.com/email-newsletters) Newsletters  (https://app.adjust.com/1hskf6nd?adgroup=USHeader) Download the app   (https://jobs.theguardian.com) Search jobs  (https://theguardian.newspapers.com) Digital Archive  (https://licensing.theguardian.com/) Guardian Licensing  (https://www.theguardian.com/guardian-live-events?INTCMP=live_us_header_dropdown) Live events  (https://www.theguardian.com/about) About Us  (https://app.adjust.com/16xt6hai) The Guardian app  (https://www.theguardian.com/video) Video  (https://www.theguardian.com/podcasts) Podcasts  (https://www.theguardian.com/inpictures) Pictures  (https://www.theguardian.com/insidetheguardian) Inside the Guardian  (https://www.theguardian.com/weekly?INTCMP=gdnwb_mawns_editorial_gweekly_GW_TopNav_US) Guardian Weekly  (https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords) Crosswords  (https://www.wordiply.com) Wordiply  (https://www.theguardian.com/theguardian/series/corrections-and-clarifications) Corrections  (https://www.theguardian.com/tips) Tips    Search input  (Search the Guardian)  google-search   Search       (www.theguardian.com)   (https://jobs.theguardian.com) Search jobs  (https://theguardian.newspapers.com) Digital Archive  (https://licensing.theguardian.com/) Guardian Licensing  (https://www.theguardian.com/guardian-live-events?INTCMP=live_us_header_dropdown) Live events  (https://www.theguardian.com/about) About Us         (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news) Australia  (https://www.theguardian.com/world) World  (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/australian-politics) AU politics   (https://www.theguardian.com/environment) Environment  (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-crisis) Climate crisis  (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/indigenous-australians) Indigenous Australia  (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/australian-immigration-and-asylum) Immigration  (https://www.theguardian.com/media) Media  (https://www.theguardian.com/business) Business  (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/health) Health  (https://www.theguardian.com/science) Science  (https://www.theguardian.com/technology) Tech  (https://www.theguardian.com/au/podcasts) Podcasts  (https://www.theguardian.com/email-newsletters) Newsletters              (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/australia-news) Australia news     Helen Haines: independent MP in critical condition in Melbourne’s Alfred hospital after being struck by car in Wangaratta  – follow updates       A joint counter-terrorism taskforce is investigating the incident, which Anthony Albanese alleged ‘wasn’t an accident’ (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/oct/19/mp-helen-haines-injured-incident-wangaratta-ntwnfb) ‘Deeply appalled’: politicians condemn alleged attack after Helen Haines critically injured   (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        LIVE Updated now            (https://www.theguardian.com/profile/kat-wong) Kat Wong (now),  (https://www.theguardian.com/profile/stephanie-convery) Stephanie Convery and  (https://www.theguardian.com/profile/martinfarrer) Martin Farrer (earlier)   Mon 19 Oct 2026 18.14 EDT  First published on Mon 19 Oct 2026 15.27 EDT   (mailto:?subject=Helen Haines: independent MP in critical condition in Melbourne’s Alfred hospital after being struck by car in Wangaratta  – follow updates&body=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/20/helen-haines-independent-mp-alleged-car-attack-wangaratta-melbourne-hospital-ntwnfb?CMP=share_btn_url) Share                   Key events  (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/20/helen-haines-independent-mp-alleged-car-attack-wangaratta-melbourne-hospital-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad68ff68f08244ca8d0d9a3#block-6ad68ff68f08244ca8d0d9a3) (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 06:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time) 13m ago  What we know so far   (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/20/helen-haines-independent-mp-alleged-car-attack-wangaratta-melbourne-hospital-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad687bd8f08244ca8d0d97c#block-6ad687bd8f08244ca8d0d97c) (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 05:13 PM Eastern Daylight Time) 1h ago  Haines in critical but stable condition after being rammed twice in alleged attack: Burke   (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/20/helen-haines-independent-mp-alleged-car-attack-wangaratta-melbourne-hospital-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad6737b8f08244ca8d0d8f4#block-6ad6737b8f08244ca8d0d8f4) (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 03:47 PM Eastern Daylight Time) 2h ago  Helen Haines still in critical condition: Albanese   (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/20/helen-haines-independent-mp-alleged-car-attack-wangaratta-melbourne-hospital-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad671bd8f08899eef353f8b#block-6ad671bd8f08899eef353f8b) (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 03:44 PM Eastern Daylight Time) 2h ago  Anthony Albanese: 'This is a tragic situation'   (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/20/helen-haines-independent-mp-alleged-car-attack-wangaratta-melbourne-hospital-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad5de218f088e860bb72cd6#block-6ad5de218f088e860bb72cd6) (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 03:31 PM Eastern Daylight Time) 3h ago  What we know so far   (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/20/helen-haines-independent-mp-alleged-car-attack-wangaratta-melbourne-hospital-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad5db628f0862b813bc4c7a#block-6ad5db628f0862b813bc4c7a) (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 03:27 PM Eastern Daylight Time) 3h ago  Welcome                          (The MP for Indi, Helen Haines, is in a critical condition in hospital after being hit by a car.)          The MP for Indi, Helen Haines, is in a critical but stable condition in hospital after being hit by a car in an alleged attack. Follow live updates. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/EPA     (helen-haines-independent-mp-alleged-car-attack-wangaratta-melbourne-hospital-ntwnfb.html#img-1)   View image in fullscreen       The MP for Indi, Helen Haines, is in a critical but stable condition in hospital after being hit by a car in an alleged attack. Follow live updates. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/EPA             (https://www.theguardian.com/profile/kat-wong) Kat Wong (now),  (https://www.theguardian.com/profile/stephanie-convery) Stephanie Convery and  (https://www.theguardian.com/profile/martinfarrer) Martin Farrer (earlier)   Mon 19 Oct 2026 18.14 EDT  First published on Mon 19 Oct 2026 15.27 EDT   (mailto:?subject=Helen Haines: independent MP in critical condition in Melbourne’s Alfred hospital after being struck by car in Wangaratta  – follow updates&body=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/20/helen-haines-independent-mp-alleged-car-attack-wangaratta-melbourne-hospital-ntwnfb?CMP=share_btn_url) Share                  Key events  (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/20/helen-haines-independent-mp-alleged-car-attack-wangaratta-melbourne-hospital-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad68ff68f08244ca8d0d9a3#block-6ad68ff68f08244ca8d0d9a3) (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 06:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time) 13m ago  What we know so far   (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/20/helen-haines-independent-mp-alleged-car-attack-wangaratta-melbourne-hospital-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad687bd8f08244ca8d0d97c#block-6ad687bd8f08244ca8d0d97c) (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 05:13 PM Eastern Daylight Time) 1h ago  Haines in critical but stable condition after being rammed twice in alleged attack: Burke   (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/20/helen-haines-independent-mp-alleged-car-attack-wangaratta-melbourne-hospital-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad6737b8f08244ca8d0d8f4#block-6ad6737b8f08244ca8d0d8f4) (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 03:47 PM Eastern Daylight Time) 2h ago  Helen Haines still in critical condition: Albanese   (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/20/helen-haines-independent-mp-alleged-car-attack-wangaratta-melbourne-hospital-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad671bd8f08899eef353f8b#block-6ad671bd8f08899eef353f8b) (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 03:44 PM Eastern Daylight Time) 2h ago  Anthony Albanese: 'This is a tragic situation'   (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/20/helen-haines-independent-mp-alleged-car-attack-wangaratta-melbourne-hospital-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad5de218f088e860bb72cd6#block-6ad5de218f088e860bb72cd6) (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 03:31 PM Eastern Daylight Time) 3h ago  What we know so far   (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/20/helen-haines-independent-mp-alleged-car-attack-wangaratta-melbourne-hospital-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad5db628f0862b813bc4c7a#block-6ad5db628f0862b813bc4c7a) (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 03:27 PM Eastern Daylight Time) 3h ago  Welcome         (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/20/helen-haines-independent-mp-alleged-car-attack-wangaratta-melbourne-hospital-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad695328f08244ca8d0d9b7#block-6ad695328f08244ca8d0d9b7) (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 06:14 PM Eastern Daylight Time) now   18.14 EDT   (Melissa Davey)   Melissa Davey   Here’s more from the federal health minister, Mark Butler , who spoke to Sunrise about a "huge increase in hate and intolerance” in public commentary: double quotation mark   It’s not just here in Australia, we’re seeing this around the world, but that hate could turn into violence.  There have been warnings about this for some time now: the need to turn the temperature down and for us all to be a little bit more tolerant of each other.   (mailto:?subject=Helen Haines: independent MP in critical condition in Melbourne’s Alfred hospital after being struck by car in Wangaratta  – follow updates&body=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/20/helen-haines-independent-mp-alleged-car-attack-wangaratta-melbourne-hospital-ntwnfb?CMP=share_btn_url&page=with%3Ablock-6ad695328f08244ca8d0d9b7#block-6ad695328f08244ca8d0d9b7) Share           (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/20/helen-haines-independent-mp-alleged-car-attack-wangaratta-melbourne-hospital-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad6943b8f08899eef354053#block-6ad6943b8f08899eef354053) (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 06:09 PM Eastern Daylight Time) 4m ago   18.09 EDT   (Melissa Davey)   Melissa Davey   The health minister Mark Butler has told the Today Show that “it’s hard to imagine a more gentle, compassionate, decent member of parliament than Helen”. double quotation mark   I’m not sure I’ve ever heard her raise her voice, and I can’t say that about many MPs. The debate can be very vigorous, but from Helen it’s always incredibly respectful.”   Butler said given her experience as a nurse and midwife, along with her doctorate in public health, he works with Haines more than many other of his parliamentary colleagues and values her expertise. double quotation mark   I can only imagine the shock and distress that Helen’s family are feeling right now as they wait for news about her surgery overnight, also her community, her staff, her friends.   This is incredibly confronting, and we’re all waiting for what we hope will be positive news about Helen’s very serious injuries.”   (mailto:?subject=Helen Haines: independent MP in critical condition in Melbourne’s Alfred hospital after being struck by car in Wangaratta  – follow updates&body=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/20/helen-haines-independent-mp-alleged-car-attack-wangaratta-melbourne-hospital-ntwnfb?CMP=share_btn_url&page=with%3Ablock-6ad6943b8f08899eef354053#block-6ad6943b8f08899eef354053) Share       (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/20/helen-haines-independent-mp-alleged-car-attack-wangaratta-melbourne-hospital-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad68f128f08244ca8d0d9a0#block-6ad68f128f08244ca8d0d9a0) (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 06:05 PM Eastern Daylight Time) 8m ago   18.05 EDT   (Tom McIlroy)   Tom McIlroy   Independent Jacqui Lambie pays tribute to Haines  Jacqui Lambie has issued a statement about Helen Haines this morning: double quotation mark   I echo the sentiments of my colleagues when I say that Helen Haines is truly the best of us.   My heart goes out to Helen’s family, friends and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.   We are all praying for her speedy recovery.   (mailto:?subject=Helen Haines: independent MP in critical condition in Melbourne’s Alfred hospital after being struck by car in Wangaratta  – follow updates&body=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/20/helen-haines-independent-mp-alleged-car-attack-wangaratta-melbourne-hospital-ntwnfb?CMP=share_btn_url&page=with%3Ablock-6ad68f128f08244ca8d0d9a0#block-6ad68f128f08244ca8d0d9a0) Share       (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/20/helen-haines-independent-mp-alleged-car-attack-wangaratta-melbourne-hospital-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad68ff68f08244ca8d0d9a3#block-6ad68ff68f08244ca8d0d9a3) (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 06:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time) 13m ago   18.00 EDT   What we know so far  Here are some of the developments we’ve heard since this morning: Federal independent MP for Indi, Helen Haines , is in a critical condition after being struck by a car outside her electorate office in Wangaratta, Victoria, at about 3.35pm on Monday  She has been taken to Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital, where she underwent surgery overnight  A 43-year-old man from Tarrawingee is in custody, and the alleged attack is being investigated by the Australian federal police, 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 got out of his vehicle  Police are expected to interview the suspect in the alleged attack this morning  A local barber has been praised for stepping in to apprehend the alleged attacker  Politicians across the political spectrum including the prime minister Anthony Albanese , Opposition Leader Angus Taylor and fellow independents have sent well wishes to Haines   (mailto:?subject=Helen Haines: independent MP in critical condition in Melbourne’s Alfred hospital after being struck by car in Wangaratta  – follow updates&body=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/20/helen-haines-independent-mp-alleged-car-attack-wangaratta-melbourne-hospital-ntwnfb?CMP=share_btn_url&page=with%3Ablock-6ad68ff68f08244ca8d0d9a3#block-6ad68ff68f08244ca8d0d9a3) Share     Updated at (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 06:08 PM Eastern Daylight Time) 18.08 EDT      (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/20/helen-haines-independent-mp-alleged-car-attack-wangaratta-melbourne-hospital-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad691fe8f08899eef35404a#block-6ad691fe8f08899eef35404a) (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 05:57 PM Eastern Daylight Time) 17m ago   17.57 EDT   (Benita Kolovos)   Benita Kolovos   Female politicians ‘cop it a lot worse’ than their male counterparts, Victorian premier says  Here’s more from Victorian premier, Ben Carroll: double quotation mark   We just acknowledged 14 years since Julia Gillard’s powerful misogyny speech, and I was then thinking too about Premier Allan and some of the billboards and misogyny she faced ... The federal minister for small business Anne Aly has had 19 death threats in one week. If that is not alarm bells for everyone ... we need to step up, do more .   Asked by host Raf Esptein  if he was told there was a link between online misogyny and this alleged attack, Carroll replied: “No, I have not been told that ... I think we need to let the investigations take place.  Carroll said he would be attending a briefing with the Victoria police chief commissioner, Mike Bush , representatives from Asio and the AFP and Anthony Albanese later today. He said he would also work with the Victorian Electoral Commissioner and Victoria Police to bolster security as the state heads toward a November election. Carroll said he had spoken with the Victorian Greens, Nationals and opposition leader, as well as local member Tim McCurdy . (mailto:?subject=Helen Haines: independent MP in critical condition in Melbourne’s Alfred hospital after being struck by car in Wangaratta  – follow updates&body=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/20/helen-haines-independent-mp-alleged-car-attack-wangaratta-melbourne-hospital-ntwnfb?CMP=share_btn_url&page=with%3Ablock-6ad691fe8f08899eef35404a#block-6ad691fe8f08899eef35404a) Share     Updated at (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 06:12 PM Eastern Daylight Time) 18.12 EDT      (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/20/helen-haines-independent-mp-alleged-car-attack-wangaratta-melbourne-hospital-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad68f6e8f084d6c720d326c#block-6ad68f6e8f084d6c720d326c) (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 05:47 PM Eastern Daylight Time) 27m ago   17.47 EDT   (Benita Kolovos)   Benita Kolovos   Victorian premier urges focus on online hate and misogyny  The Victorian premier, Ben Carroll , says he was “shocked and sickened” to hear the news of the attack last night and described Helen Haines as a “rare flower in public life” who has dedicated her life to caring for others. Asked by ABC radio host Raf Epstein is he was surprised, Carroll says: double quotation mark   This act of violence is just unfathomable that it’s occurred in Australia  … Let’s put an action plan together. Let’s look at online hate. Let’s look at misogyny. Let’s look at the targeting of female representatives.   Carroll says while law enforcement agencies need to do their work, he believes there’s “no doubt” we are living in a “more polarised” world driven by algorithms. double quotation mark   In this post-fact information system, there are no consequences for what goes on on online platforms. I’ve complained to Meta and X, and I just get the email back [saying] there’s no breach of any duties there. People can put up continuously misinformation and disinformation online, and there’s  no consequences.   (mailto:?subject=Helen Haines: independent MP in critical condition in Melbourne’s Alfred hospital after being struck by car in Wangaratta  – follow updates&body=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/20/helen-haines-independent-mp-alleged-car-attack-wangaratta-melbourne-hospital-ntwnfb?CMP=share_btn_url&page=with%3Ablock-6ad68f6e8f084d6c720d326c#block-6ad68f6e8f084d6c720d326c) Share     Updated at (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 06:10 PM Eastern Daylight Time) 18.10 EDT      (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/20/helen-haines-independent-mp-alleged-car-attack-wangaratta-melbourne-hospital-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad68ebd8f08244ca8d0d99e#block-6ad68ebd8f08244ca8d0d99e) (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 05:43 PM Eastern Daylight Time) 30m ago   17.43 EDT   (Tess Ikonomou)   Tess Ikonomou   Independent MP Sophie Scamps , who holds the Sydney seat of Mackellar, told ABC RN Haines would advocate for her community in the “strongest but most respectful way”. double quotation mark   She does it with this immense grace. And I’ll even just note like Monique (Ryan) when we (independents) all first got elected back in 2022, made these t-shirts ‘What would Helen do?’   She is an inspiration to all of us because of the grace and humour with which she holds herself.   (mailto:?subject=Helen Haines: independent MP in critical condition in Melbourne’s Alfred hospital after being struck by car in Wangaratta  – follow updates&body=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/20/helen-haines-independent-mp-alleged-car-attack-wangaratta-melbourne-hospital-ntwnfb?CMP=share_btn_url&page=with%3Ablock-6ad68ebd8f08244ca8d0d99e#block-6ad68ebd8f08244ca8d0d99e) Share       (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/20/helen-haines-independent-mp-alleged-car-attack-wangaratta-melbourne-hospital-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad68e198f084d6c720d3265#block-6ad68e198f084d6c720d3265) (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 05:41 PM Eastern Daylight Time) 32m ago   17.41 EDT    Safety ‘getting worse’ in lead up to Victorian state election, state MP says  Here’s more from Nationals Victorian state MP Tim McCurdy , whose electorate covers Wangaratta: double quotation mark   It’s certainly getting worse with a state election, but I mean, that has no boundaries.  Helen being a federal MP. She’s not tied up in this state election at all.  But certainly the heat certainly is in the community - all communities - as this election is coming up.   Asked by ABC News Breakfast about the issues igniting the political heat, McCurdy says renewables are a significant concern. double quotation mark   People aren’t anti-renewable in this area, but they are anti- the fact that we don’t have a say, and farmers and communities don’t have a say about what’s happening in their community.   Guardian Australia’s Victorian state correspondent, Benita Kolovos, has written about renewables ahead of the election. (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/apr/25/fast-tracking-or-ploughing-through-renewable-energy-shaping-up-as-defining-issue-for-victorian-election)  Fast-tracking or ploughing through? Renewable energy shaping up as defining issue for Victorian election     Read more        (mailto:?subject=Helen Haines: independent MP in critical condition in Melbourne’s Alfred hospital after being struck by car in Wangaratta  – follow updates&body=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/20/helen-haines-independent-mp-alleged-car-attack-wangaratta-melbourne-hospital-ntwnfb?CMP=share_btn_url&page=with%3Ablock-6ad68e198f084d6c720d3265#block-6ad68e198f084d6c720d3265) Share           (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/20/helen-haines-independent-mp-alleged-car-attack-wangaratta-melbourne-hospital-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad68a918f08244ca8d0d98e#block-6ad68a918f08244ca8d0d98e) (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 05:25 PM Eastern Daylight Time) 48m ago   17.25 EDT   (Stephanie Convery)   Stephanie Convery   I’m going to hand you over to my colleague Kat Wong  now, who will take you through the rest of this morning’s updates. (mailto:?subject=Helen Haines: independent MP in critical condition in Melbourne’s Alfred hospital after being struck by car in Wangaratta  – follow updates&body=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/20/helen-haines-independent-mp-alleged-car-attack-wangaratta-melbourne-hospital-ntwnfb?CMP=share_btn_url&page=with%3Ablock-6ad68a918f08244ca8d0d98e#block-6ad68a918f08244ca8d0d98e) Share       (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/20/helen-haines-independent-mp-alleged-car-attack-wangaratta-melbourne-hospital-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad687bd8f08244ca8d0d97c#block-6ad687bd8f08244ca8d0d97c) (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 05:13 PM Eastern Daylight Time) 1h ago   17.13 EDT   Haines in critical but stable condition after being rammed twice in alleged attack: Burke (Tom McIlroy)   Tom McIlroy   The home affairs minister, Tony Burke , says Helen Haines was twice rammed in the alleged attack in Wangaratta on Monday. Speaking on ABC radio, Burke said the Indi MP remains in a critical but stable condition on Tuesday morning. He said: double quotation mark   What witnesses have described is the driver doing a U-turn to get into the car park and to ram Helen against a vehicle, then to reverse and do it a second time. A bystander ran towards the scene, got the driver out of the vehicle and held the driver until police arrived. And I think every Australian is grateful for those moments when a hero like this runs towards the most dangerous place.      (Tony Burke)   (helen-haines-independent-mp-alleged-car-attack-wangaratta-melbourne-hospital-ntwnfb.html#img-2)   View image in fullscreen       Tony Burke.  Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAP  (mailto:?subject=Helen Haines: independent MP in critical condition in Melbourne’s Alfred hospital after being struck by car in Wangaratta  – follow updates&body=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/20/helen-haines-independent-mp-alleged-car-attack-wangaratta-melbourne-hospital-ntwnfb?CMP=share_btn_url&page=with%3Ablock-6ad687bd8f08244ca8d0d97c#block-6ad687bd8f08244ca8d0d97c) Share     Updated at (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 05:49 PM Eastern Daylight Time) 17.49 EDT    (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/20/helen-haines-independent-mp-alleged-car-attack-wangaratta-melbourne-hospital-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad67ad68f08244ca8d0d928#block-6ad67ad68f08244ca8d0d928) (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 05:01 PM Eastern Daylight Time) 1h ago   17.01 EDT    Wangaratta, the rural city in which the incident occurred last night, is a tight-knit community in north-east (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/victoria) Victoria . Wangaratta city proper had about 20,000 people at the last census, while the broader LGA had just under 30,000.   (https://interactive.guim.co.uk/uploader/embed/2026/10/wangaratta-zip/giv-32554cPpOVBwTvpv8/) A map locating Wangaratta in relation to the border of NSW and Victoria.    Located on the flatlands at the junction of the Ovens and King rivers, it’s rural centre servicing the wine and produce region of north-east Victoria such as Milawa, Beechworth and the King Valley, and a gateway to the mountains. (mailto:?subject=Helen Haines: independent MP in critical condition in Melbourne’s Alfred hospital after being struck by car in Wangaratta  – follow updates&body=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/20/helen-haines-independent-mp-alleged-car-attack-wangaratta-melbourne-hospital-ntwnfb?CMP=share_btn_url&page=with%3Ablock-6ad67ad68f08244ca8d0d928#block-6ad67ad68f08244ca8d0d928) Share     Updated at (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 05:17 PM Eastern Daylight Time) 17.17 EDT        (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/20/helen-haines-independent-mp-alleged-car-attack-wangaratta-melbourne-hospital-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad681078f084d6c720d321b#block-6ad681078f084d6c720d321b) (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 04:51 PM Eastern Daylight Time) 1h ago   16.51 EDT    Suspect to be interviewed by police this morning  Police expect to interview the suspect in the alleged attack on MP Helen Haines this morning, acting superintendent Ashley Mason has said, speaking just now to ABC News Breakfast. (mailto:?subject=Helen Haines: independent MP in critical condition in Melbourne’s Alfred hospital after being struck by car in Wangaratta  – follow updates&body=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/20/helen-haines-independent-mp-alleged-car-attack-wangaratta-melbourne-hospital-ntwnfb?CMP=share_btn_url&page=with%3Ablock-6ad681078f084d6c720d321b#block-6ad681078f084d6c720d321b) Share     Updated at (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 04:53 PM Eastern Daylight Time) 16.53 EDT    (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/20/helen-haines-independent-mp-alleged-car-attack-wangaratta-melbourne-hospital-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad681828f08899eef353fe7#block-6ad681828f08899eef353fe7) (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 04:49 PM Eastern Daylight Time) 1h ago   16.49 EDT    Wangaratta mayor praises ‘brave’ local barber who stepped in  The mayor of Wangaratta, Irene Grant , has expressed gratitude to the “brave” bystander – a local barber – who stepped in to apprehend the alleged attacker. Speaking to RN, Grant said: double quotation mark   I spoke to the barber this morning and he just shrugged his shoulders. He seemed to just take it in his stride. This was something that he had to do and he did it. And he didn’t, he was very modest. He was extraordinarily modest about the very brave action that he took yesterday … he did an amazing job.  (mailto:?subject=Helen Haines: independent MP in critical condition in Melbourne’s Alfred hospital after being struck by car in Wangaratta  – follow updates&body=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/20/helen-haines-independent-mp-alleged-car-attack-wangaratta-melbourne-hospital-ntwnfb?CMP=share_btn_url&page=with%3Ablock-6ad681828f08899eef353fe7#block-6ad681828f08899eef353fe7) Share     Updated at (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 04:59 PM Eastern Daylight Time) 16.59 EDT    (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/20/helen-haines-independent-mp-alleged-car-attack-wangaratta-melbourne-hospital-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad67d758f084d6c720d3205#block-6ad67d758f084d6c720d3205) (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 04:31 PM Eastern Daylight Time) 2h ago   16.31 EDT   (Tess Ikonomou)   Tess Ikonomou   Albanese ‘shaken’ by alleged attack on MP  Anthony Albanese said he feels “shaken” after the attack on Haines . Still speaking on ABC News Breakfast, he said: double quotation mark   The fact that an incident like this can occur is something that does shake all of us … It will have an impact on all Australians, not just members of parliament.  Albanese said while “it’s about Helen today and her recovery”, he expected “the debate about political discourse and the way we conduct ourselves will, of course, be ongoing”. The prime minister will be briefed later this morning on the investigation into the attack. He described Haines as: double quotation mark   [Characterised] by her kindness, her compassion, her diligence, her intelligence. She’s someone who is very passionate about advocating for the interests of north Victoria. She’s someone who … was widely respected right across the political spectrum because the way that she advocates is very respectable.  (mailto:?subject=Helen Haines: independent MP in critical condition in Melbourne’s Alfred hospital after being struck by car in Wangaratta  – follow updates&body=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/20/helen-haines-independent-mp-alleged-car-attack-wangaratta-melbourne-hospital-ntwnfb?CMP=share_btn_url&page=with%3Ablock-6ad67d758f084d6c720d3205#block-6ad67d758f084d6c720d3205) Share     Updated at (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 05:51 PM Eastern Daylight Time) 17.51 EDT      1 of 2  (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/20/helen-haines-independent-mp-alleged-car-attack-wangaratta-melbourne-hospital-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad67b008f08244ca8d0d92a#liveblog-navigation) Next    (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/20/helen-haines-independent-mp-alleged-car-attack-wangaratta-melbourne-hospital-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad5db628f0862b813bc4c7a#liveblog-navigation) Oldest     (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/20/helen-haines-independent-mp-alleged-car-attack-wangaratta-melbourne-hospital-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-6ad5db628f0862b813bc4c7a#liveblog-navigation) Oldest            Explore more on these topics (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/australia-news) Australia news  (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/australian-politics) Australian politics  (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/victoria) Victoria  (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/anthony-albanese) Anthony Albanese  (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/helen-haines) Helen Haines    (mailto:?subject=Helen Haines: independent MP in critical condition in Melbourne’s Alfred hospital after being struck by car in Wangaratta  – follow updates&body=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/20/helen-haines-independent-mp-alleged-car-attack-wangaratta-melbourne-hospital-ntwnfb?CMP=share_btn_url) Share     (https://syndication.theguardian.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theguardian.com%2Faustralia-news%2Flive%2F2026%2Foct%2F20%2Fhelen-haines-independent-mp-alleged-car-attack-wangaratta-melbourne-hospital-ntwnfb&type=article&internalpagecode=australia-news/live/2026/oct/20/helen-haines-independent-mp-alleged-car-attack-wangaratta-melbourne-hospital-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) 11h ago           (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/oct/19/who-is-helen-haines-the-mp-allegedly-attacked-in-victoria-ntwnfb)    ()      ‘Everything you would want from a politician’: who is Helen Haines, the MP allegedly attacked in Victoria?   (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 06:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time) 12h ago           (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/oct/19/helen-haines-alleged-attack-wangaratta-what-we-know-so-far-ntwnfb)    ()      Helen Haines is in a critical condition after an alleged attack. Here’s what we know so far   (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 05:58 AM Eastern Daylight Time) 12h ago           (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/oct/19/pregnant-women-being-forced-out-of-employment-through-sham-redundancies-australian-human-rights-report-finds)    ()      Pregnant women face workplace hostility and ‘sham redundancies’, Australian human rights report finds   (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 05:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time) 13h ago           (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/oct/19/david-shoebridge-jordon-steele-john-greens-emergency-meeting-ntwnfb)    ()      David Shoebridge responds to Jordon Steele-John’s explosive statement as Greens hold emergency meeting   (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 12:05 AM Eastern Daylight Time) 18h ago           (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/audio/2026/oct/20/the-allegations-against-the-greens-jordon-steele-john-full-story-podcast-ntwnfb)    ()      Full Story The allegations against the Greens’ Jordon Steele-John – Full Story podcast   (Monday, October 19, 2026 at 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time) 8h ago           (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/oct/19/former-labor-attorney-general-robert-mcclelland-named-new-nacc-boss)    ()      Former Labor attorney general turned judge Robert McClelland named new anti-corruption boss   (Sunday, October 18, 2026 at 11:56 PM Eastern Daylight Time) 18h ago           (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/oct/19/jacqui-lambie-one-nation-pauline-hanson-please-explain-ntwnfb)    ()      PM, Coalition and crossbench support Jacqui Lambie after Pauline Hanson cartoon mocked vaginal prolapse   (Sunday, October 18, 2026 at 11:56 PM Eastern Daylight Time) 18h ago           (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/oct/18/greens-senator-jordon-steele-john-says-not-on-leave-blames-david-shoebridge-complaints-ntwnfb)    ()      Jordon Steele-John says ‘I’m not on leave’ and accuses Greens leader of making ‘bad call’ regarding complaints   (Sunday, October 18, 2026 at 05:51 AM Eastern Daylight Time) 2d ago           (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/oct/18/labor-knew-in-july-months-earlier-than-previously-admitted-that-ato-planned-to-ban-credit-card-payments)    ()      Labor knew in July, months earlier than previously admitted, that ATO planned to ban credit card payments   (Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 09:31 PM Eastern Daylight Time) 2d ago                    Most viewed      Most viewed                                                                (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news) Australia  (https://www.theguardian.com/world) World  (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/australian-politics) AU politics   (https://www.theguardian.com/environment) Environment  (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-crisis) Climate crisis  (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/indigenous-australians) Indigenous Australia  (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/australian-immigration-and-asylum) Immigration  (https://www.theguardian.com/media) Media  (https://www.theguardian.com/business) Business  (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/health) Health  (https://www.theguardian.com/science) Science  (https://www.theguardian.com/technology) Tech  (https://www.theguardian.com/au/podcasts) Podcasts  (https://www.theguardian.com/email-newsletters) Newsletters       (https://www.theguardian.com/) News  (https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree) Opinion  (https://www.theguardian.com/sport) Sport  (https://www.theguardian.com/culture) Culture  (https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle) Lifestyle    Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning (https://www.theguardian.com/info/2018/sep/17/guardian-us-morning-briefing-sign-up-to-stay-informed) Sign up for our email     (https://www.theguardian.com/info/about-guardian-us) About us  (https://manage.theguardian.com/help-centre) Help  (https://www.theguardian.com/info/complaints-and-corrections) Complaints & corrections  (https://www.theguardian.com/info/about-guardian-us/contact) Contact us  (https://www.theguardian.com/tips) Tip us off  (https://www.theguardian.com/securedrop) SecureDrop  (https://www.theguardian.com/info/privacy) Privacy policy  (https://www.theguardian.com/info/cookies) Cookie policy  (https://uploads.guim.co.uk/2026/07/22/STL_Global_Tax_Strategy_for_the_year_to_31_March_2027.pdf) Tax strategy  (https://www.theguardian.com/help/terms-of-service) Terms & conditions   (https://www.theguardian.com/index/subjects/a) All topics  (https://www.theguardian.com/index/contributors) All writers  (https://www.theguardian.com/email-newsletters?INTCMP=DOTCOM_FOOTER_NEWSLETTER_US) Newsletters  (https://theguardian.newspapers.com) Digital newspaper archive  (https://bsky.app/profile/us.theguardian.com) Bluesky  (https://www.facebook.com/theguardian) Facebook  (https://www.instagram.com/guardian) Instagram  (https://www.linkedin.com/company/theguardian) LinkedIn  (https://www.threads.com/@guardian_us) Threads  (https://www.tiktok.com/@guardian) TikTok  (https://www.youtube.com/user/TheGuardian) YouTube   (https://usadvertising.theguardian.com) Advertise with us  (https://www.theguardian.com/guardian-labs-us) Guardian Labs  (https://jobs.theguardian.com) Search jobs  (https://workwithus.theguardian.com/) Work with us  (https://www.theguardian.com/help/accessibility-help) Accessibility settings         (helen-haines-independent-mp-alleged-car-attack-wangaratta-melbourne-hospital-ntwnfb.html#top) Back to top      © 2026Guardian News & Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved.(dcr)