Helen Haines attack: independent MP critical after being struck by car outside electorate office
Victorian independent MP Helen Haines is in a critical condition after a man struck her with his car outside her electorate office at 3.35pm on Monday, hours after she attended a dog park opening in Mansfield.
Helen Haines attack: independent MP critical after being struck by car outside electorate office
From dog park to hospital
The Helen Haines attack unfolded in a single day that began ordinarily. On Monday morning the Victorian independent MP was at the opening of a dog park in Mansfield, talking to locals. By the afternoon she had been hurt outside her own office.
- At 3.35pm on Monday, Haines was unpacking a car outside her electorate office when a man struck her with his car.
- The man is understood to be known to authorities.
- He allegedly completed a U-turn when he saw Haines.
- The motivation of the alleged attacker is unknown.
Government response and threat numbers
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said "the government will act on the advice of security officials". He and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke revealed that recorded threats against politicians numbered more than 1,067 last financial year. The cohort of office holders requiring around-the-clock close personal protection has grown.
Warnings already on record
The attack lands after a series of warnings and security changes. Asio director general Mike Burgess cautioned in 2025 that the warning light for political violence was "already flashing red". Other events have shaped how parliament thinks about mp security in Australia.
- After a gunman opened fire at the Canadian parliament in 2014, the Abbott government built a fence around Parliament House.
- In February, Albanese was evacuated from The Lodge, and a blast-resistant facility was added to his Sydney residence.
- December's antisemitic massacre at Bondi was cited as the latest wake-up call, along with overseas incidents such as the murder of British politician Ann Widdecombe.
- A review of politicians' offices last year found 85% reported high levels of abusive or violent behaviour from constituents, including verbal threats, intimidation, spitting and throwing of objects.
Life on the ground for MPs
The precautions reach down to local politics. Many MPs no longer publicise where they will be for community events ahead of time, and some electorate offices have been closed for months at a time. Haines had been doing exactly the kind of public engagement such events involve earlier the same day.
Haines remains in a critical condition after undergoing surgery.
