Independent MP Critically Injured After Alleged Attack in Wangaratta
Source reports published 20 Oct 2026, 10:00 am – 21 Oct 2026, 4:04 am AEST
Helen Haines remains in a critical condition following a car attack outside her electoral office in Wangaratta, Victoria. Brendan Nugent is due to face court on multiple charges related to the incident, with concerns raised about the rise of political threats.
What happened
- Independent MP Helen Haines was struck by a Toyota LandCruiser driven by Brendan Nugent outside her electoral office in Wangaratta, Victoria, on Monday.
- Police report that Nugent performed a U-turn to target Haines after passing her on the road.
- Mayor Irene Grant praised a local barber who intervened in the attack.
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed ‘shaken’ feelings about the incident, emphasizing Haines’s character and advocating for respectful political discourse.
- Tim McCurdy, a Victorian National MP, expressed disbelief at the attack, highlighting the vulnerability of regional MPs.
- Brendan Nugent is due to appear in Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court today charged with dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury, and causing harm to a Commonwealth public official.
- Barnaby Joyce revealed he had previously been targeted in a similar incident.
- Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles declined to comment on reports of a document circulated by the Prime Minister’s Office about Haines.
- Angus Taylor stated that social media is fueling threats directed at MPs.
- Monique Ryan reported that her office had received threats following the attack.
- The incident has prompted concerns about the rise in political temperature and the potential for threats against elected officials.