Australian MP Helen Haines critically injured after being struck by a car outside her office

Helen Haines, an independent federal MP from the Australian state of Victoria, was critically injured on Monday afternoon when a man allegedly struck her with his car. The incident took place at about 3.35pm outside her electorate office in northern Victoria. Haines underwent surgery and remains in a critical condition. The attack is expected to change how MPs assess their personal safety, as local settings are no longer free from danger.

What is known about the attack

Earlier on Monday, Haines had been in Mansfield at the opening of a dog park, talking to locals. In the afternoon, as she unpacked a car outside her office, a man understood to be known to authorities allegedly hit her with his vehicle. He reportedly completed a U-turn after seeing her. The attacker's motivation is not known, and much remains unclear.

Threats against politicians

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the government would act on the advice of security officials, though stronger protection appears inevitable. Together with Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, he revealed that more than 1,067 recorded threats against politicians were logged in the last financial year. The number of office holders needing around-the-clock close personal protection has also grown.

In 2025, Mike Burgess, director general of the security agency ASIO, warned that the warning light for political violence was "already flashing red". A review of politicians' offices last year found that 85% reported high levels of abusive or violent behaviour from constituents, including verbal threats, intimidation, spitting and the throwing of objects. Many MPs no longer announce in advance where they will be at community events, and some electorate offices have been closed for months.

Whether security services could have done more will be examined in the coming weeks and months.