Australia's federal police (AFP) said on October 20 that the deliberate car ramming of independent MP Helen Haines outside her office in Victoria appeared to be an "isolated incident," and that no further threats linked to the attack had been identified.
According to the AFP, Haines, 65, was struck by a Toyota Land Cruiser SUV outside her office in Wangaratta, about 200km northwest of Melbourne, the Victorian capital, on October 19. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described it as a deliberate act.
The MP underwent surgery overnight. Australian media reported that she lost a leg and remained in critical condition at a Melbourne hospital. Police said the suspect was being held; local media identified him as a 43-year-old man from Tarrawingee in Victoria.
Federal and state police are working together to "determine potential charges," including "causing harm to a Commonwealth public official, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years' imprisonment," the AFP said.
Albanese said the vehicle made a U-turn before hitting the MP. "It's clearly a deliberate act. This was not an accident, this was not a car that veered off the road," he told ABC. The Australian leader also said the suspect's motive had not been established.
Bystander intervenes
Haines, a former nurse, is the federal independent member for the Victorian seat of Indi, known for socially progressive policy positions on the environment and transparency. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke told ABC Radio that witnesses said Haines was struck twice before a member of the public intervened.
According to Australian media, Ricky Jefferies ran from his barbershop, restrained the attacker and took a knife from him after initially believing it was a traffic accident. "I heard a big thud with no screeching. It was crazy; I just ran out the front to see what was happening," Jefferies told reporters outside his shop. "I didn't realise the severity at first, and when I did, I just did what I could, along with what others were trying to do."
Threats and abuse
Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed shock at the "deeply disturbing attack" and wished Haines a full recovery in a post on X.
The incident comes as the federal police have recorded a steady rise in threats and abuse directed at Australian politicians in recent years. The country's politicians are highly accessible to the public and often operate without security.
Albanese said on October 19 that "the temperature has risen recently." Haines entered parliament in 2019 after working as a nurse and midwife, and is known for positions including support for stronger action on climate change. She has also been praised for efforts to strengthen transparency in politics and tackle corruption.
