Victorian MP fighting for life after being rammed by 4WD outside office
Helen Haines, Victorian MP, was struck twice by a four-wheel-drive outside her Wangaratta electorate office on October 19.
Helen Haines is in hospital after a man deliberately rammed her with a 4WD outside her office on Monday, according to witnesses. The driver performed a U-turn to enter the car park, struck her twice against a vehicle, then reversed to hit her again.
A 43-year-old man was arrested by bystanders, and police found a knife in his car. The attack has alarmed other female MPs across Australia, with many now reviewing security arrangements.
Carol Berry, MP for Whitlam, said an increasingly hostile online environment is spilling over into real-world violence. Cunningham MP Alison Byrnes has been directly targeted with a body bag left at her office door and graffiti with abusive language.
- October 19
- Attack date
- Helen Haines, Victorian MP
- Victim
- Knife in attacker's car
- Weapon found
Why it mattersThe attack raises urgent questions about the safety of MPs doing their jobs in public and the impact of online harassment on real-world violence.
AustraliaFemale politicians across Australia are reviewing security and concerned about risks when engaging with constituents in their communities.
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