Independent MP Helen Haines remains in a critical condition in a Melbourne hospital, more than two days after she was struck by a car outside her electorate office in Victoria's north-east.
Her husband Phil says that while his wife has lost both her legs due to her injuries, she is a "fighter" and her family hopes she will recover.
Follow updates in our live blog.
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Thu 22 Oct 2026 at 12:07pmThu 22 Oct 2026 at 12:07pm
Political commentator on what needs to happen now
By Georgie Hewson
The attack on Helen Haines has opened a fierce debate about the safety of politicians and worsening political discourse.
So, will the tragedy change anything?
Political commentator and author Niki Savva spoke to ABC News Daily about on what needs to happen now.
"It's all of us [that need to turn the temperature down] and you know Mike Burgess has delivered nine warnings to peole in the past three years to lower the temperature. Has anybody paid attention to that?" she said.
"Some people, yes but I think everybody needs to listen to what he and others have been saying and take heed of the warning otherwise we are going to continue on this path."
She said it is difficult when people feel emboldened to write abusive messages on social media.
"It is very difficult but I can't sit here and say yeah it's really bad but what can we do about it? Well, I think it is incumbant on all of us to do something about it."
"I appeal to good people to say engage with politics and to be involved because if they don't then we're really in deep, deep trouble."
You can listen to the full episode here:
Thu 22 Oct 2026 at 11:41amThu 22 Oct 2026 at 11:41am
NSW commissioner to run safety briefings with state MPs this afternoon
By Georgie Hewson
New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon says the alleged attack on federal MP Helen Haines in regional Victoria has highlighted the threats made against all politicians.
Commissioner Lanyon says a safety briefing will be held for all state politicians in Sydney this afternoon.
"I think this week has really brought into focus the safety of politicians but also all public officials," he said.
"We work very closely with our politicians, and I think one of the things about New South Wales, it is an enormous state, so we have politicians right around the state.
"We also have a number of federal politicians and we work very closely with our federal counterparts."
Thu 22 Oct 2026 at 11:35amThu 22 Oct 2026 at 11:35am
Simple tasks now feel threatening, Goulburn MP says
By Georgie Hewson
Goulburn MP Wendy Tuckerman is calling for change after the alleged attack on Helen Haines left her deeply concerned for politicians and their staff.
The Liberal MP says the impact is being felt across state parliament, where MPs will receive a police safety briefing this afternoon.
The former police officer says she's conscious of her own security, but constantly worries about her staff and the situations they face dealing with the public.
She says even routine tasks can now feel threatening.
"But little things like unpacking your car, the fact that that's a threat is very, very concerning," she says.
"And yeah, look, it's just devastating. It's actually makes you feel extremely sick and we have just got to do better."
Thu 22 Oct 2026 at 11:28amThu 22 Oct 2026 at 11:28am
Analysis: How do we actually turn down the temperature?
By David Speers
Only two months ago, a group called Compassion in Politics Australia gained the first signatory to its "Civility Pledge".
Helen Haines.
The organisation, based on a similar foundation in the United Kingdom, aims to turn the tide of toxic debate and build a better politics.
As a start, it's asking elected officials to sign a simple pledge. "In my political life, I pledge to act with honesty, respect, and compassion," is all it states.
This week, the independent MP was the victim of an alleged attack widely described as shocking but unsurprising. Sadly predictable was the common reaction amongst MPs who have been at the receiving end of increasing threats and harassment.
Read the full analysis from ABC political lead David Speers in the link below.
Thu 22 Oct 2026 at 11:22amThu 22 Oct 2026 at 11:22am
More messages of support at MP's office
By Dannielle Maguire
Thu 22 Oct 2026 at 11:07amThu 22 Oct 2026 at 11:07am
Haines family asks for charity donations in lieu of flowers
By Dannielle Maguire
People have been placing flowers at the front of Helen Haines's electorate office in Wangaratta over the past few days.
Many of the floral tributes are accompanied with emotional notes of support for Ms Haines.
"Flowers are a beautiful thing and Helen loves flowers," her husband Phil Haines said yesterday.
Here's how the front of her office looked yesterday:
The touching display is a demonstration of public support for Ms Haines as the community comes to terms with what happened on Monday.
But there are other ways people can show their support for Ms Haines.
"We would ask people if they would like to support Helen financially to make a donation to the Save the Children Fund," Mr Haines said.
"She is a passionate supporter of them.
"So, we ask people, if they would like to support Helen, to perhaps think about making a donation through that organisation."
He pointed to a link on her website which would allow people to donate to the charity in honour of Ms Haines.
As of a few minutes ago, nearly $300,000 has been donated to that fundraising campaign.
Key Event
Thu 22 Oct 2026 at 10:23amThu 22 Oct 2026 at 10:23am
Labor candidate says he won't doorknock alone
By Nate Woodall
The alleged attack on Helen Haines has put the safety of politicians in sharp focus, especially as they doorknock ahead of the Victorian election on November 28.
On the hustings in Bendigo, Tim Rickwood, who is trying to hold former premier Jacinta Allan's seat for Labor, says he previously doorknocked alone but will now always have someone with him.
And he says he's told his campaign volunteers in Bendigo East, that they can only work in groups of two or more.
"It does make you think about these matters of security more than what we might have before," Mr Rickwood says.
"All volunteers coming out with me … their safety and wellbeing is paramount."
He said Victorian Labor's head office had issued new protocols, including de-escalation training for volunteers.
Thu 22 Oct 2026 at 10:18amThu 22 Oct 2026 at 10:18am
Electoral Commissioner confident election will be safe
By Tim Callanan
Victoria's Electoral Commissioner Sven Bluemmel has reassured the community that the upcoming Victorian election will be run safely and smoothly.
Mr Bluemmel met Premier Ben Carroll yesterday to discuss safety and security at voting centres.
He says the VEC has already laid the groundwork.
"We have done quite a lot of additional work since 2022 to make sure we can continue our strong tradition of a really healthy, participatory democracy," he says.
"The tragic events of this week have just again caused us to look at that and say, 'Alright, we are already doing all of these things, let's look at what else we can do.'
"We work very closely with Victoria Police. I've met with the Victoria Police chief commissioner on a number of occasions leading up to the election, well before this week and we're in absolute lockstep."
His comments come after the premier allocated extra funding towards security during the election.
Thu 22 Oct 2026 at 10:15amThu 22 Oct 2026 at 10:15am
Looking back at Phil Haines's statement
By Dannielle Maguire
Earlier, we heard from Governor-General Sam Mostyn, who spoke about the strength Helen Haines's husband Phil Haines demonstrated when addressing the media yesterday.
Mr Haines gave an update on his wife's health, explaining that doctors had to amputate both of the popular MP's legs:
"But the good news is that Helen is alive and she is stable.
"That is the most important thing for our family."
He went on to praise Ms Haines for her caring nature and brilliant mind:
"Her heart is huge.
"She is a very compassionate, caring, loving person, incredibly supportive of all around her.
"And her mind — she has the sharpest intellect.
"She has always had the most intense desire to learn, to read, to synthesise and to understand what's going on.
"We are grateful and thankful that, at this stage, both her heart and her mind are in good shape."
Thu 22 Oct 2026 at 10:03amThu 22 Oct 2026 at 10:03am
Charges against alleged attacker restrict reporting
By Dannielle Maguire
The alleged attacker, Brendan Nugent, has been charged and that affects how aspects of the incident and subsequent developments can be reported.
That's because, from the time someone is arrested, charged, or a warrant is issued until right up to the moment the court has finished dealing with the matter, the case is classed as being 'sub judice'.
Sub judice means 'under judgment'.
"While a case is sub judice, you are strictly limited as to what you can report," a Victorian County Court fact sheet reads.
"There are dangers for the media if reports reveal prejudicial material.
"Prejudice can simply be interpreted as strongly supporting the case one way or another."
This is about ensuring everyone gets fair treatment in court, so it's crucial to use careful language when covering court cases.
"It is important to remember when covering a trial that the accused is innocent until proven guilty, and alleged crimes should not be stated as fact," the fact sheet reads.
This is why you might see a lot of phrases including the words "allegedly" or "has been accused of" in reports about court cases that are still unfolding.
Thu 22 Oct 2026 at 9:43amThu 22 Oct 2026 at 9:43am
Federal emergency minister praises 'formidable advocate'
By Tim Callanan
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain is in Melbourne today and spoke about her connection to Helen Haines.
Her electorate of Eden-Monaro is close to Ms Haines's electorate of Indi and the two actually shared a border until last year.
Ms McBain has described Ms Haines as "a pretty formidable advocate" for her community.
"Helen's community and mine had a very similar Black Summer bushfire experience, and I've worked with Helen over the last six years on a whole range of measures," she says.
"She's someone who is always prepared to have a discussion, always interested in how you are and how your family is.
"And somebody who is deeply respected, regardless of where you sit on the political spectrum."
Key Event
Thu 22 Oct 2026 at 9:42amThu 22 Oct 2026 at 9:42am
Why was Helen Haines allegedly 'targeted'?
By Dannielle Maguire
Police haven't publicly revealed what they suspect the accused attacker's motivations were.
Here's what Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said about that during a press conference on Wednesday morning.
"Motivation is one of these things that we absolutely need to explore.
"Our people will continue to explore every element, angle and avenue to work that out.
"But at this present point in time, I cannot give that information in terms of motivation.
"It's something that, when we work towards it, discover it, we will present in court."
Thu 22 Oct 2026 at 9:41amThu 22 Oct 2026 at 9:41am
Governor-General: 'We can be so much better'
By Dannielle Maguire
Governor-General Sam Mostyn says this incident shows the "temper of our times", and she's encouraging people to demonstrate kindness and decency.
She says that while women in high-profile positions cop abuse, it's a widespread issue.
"It is not just women; it is not just people in high places.
"[There are] attacks on people who serve us in shops, nursing staff.
"The fact we are going to places where there are signs asking us to show respect to people who take care of us … says we've got to a point where [there's] some responsibility on all of us just to be caring and decent and to show care.
"We can be so much better, and I know that is the Australian character that is at the heart of our nation."
Thu 22 Oct 2026 at 9:32amThu 22 Oct 2026 at 9:32am
Governor-General says she has copped abuse since the alleged attack
By Dannielle Maguire
Speaking to ABC News Breakfast this morning, Governor-General Sam Mostyn discussed the rising tide of anger and division in the country.
Ms Mostyn says women are often the targets of threats and abuse:
"I think, like any woman who has stepped up into any position across any part of our society, there is a unique and pernicious form of attack that comes our way.
"I still receive that online.
"In fact, I was just saddened this morning to see some of the comments on my own Instagram page that, in capitals, with expletives, [were] once again questioning the very nature of what it is that I do.
"I think that women across the country know that there are certain things that are reserved for women in that attack that go to our gender and they are often vicious and just despicable."
Thu 22 Oct 2026 at 9:13amThu 22 Oct 2026 at 9:13am
Governor-General says Haines has a 'beautiful heart'
By Dannielle Maguire
Governor-General Sam Mostyn spoke on ABC News Breakfast earlier this morning.
Here's some of what she had to say:
"Helen represents for me, and so many of us I guess, the embodiment of what great representation can look like in this country.
Ms Mostyn says Ms Haines has a "beautiful heart" and a "beautiful mind".
"I most recently had been with Helen in Euroa at a bushfire recovery hub where we were thanking first responders to the terrible things that were happening in Victoria with floods and fires.
"We just started to talk about how, generally, across our country this rising tide of anger, of division and threats of violence was something we could think about and what would be a response to that."
Thu 22 Oct 2026 at 9:09amThu 22 Oct 2026 at 9:09am
Angus Taylor offers words of support in Melbourne
By Tim Callanan
Federal Opposition Leader Angus Taylor is in Melbourne, where he joined Victorian Liberal Leader Jess Wilson at a media event this morning.
Mr Taylor offered his support to Helen Haines, who remains in a critical condition in hospital.
"My thoughts are with Helen Haines and [her husband] Phil and family today. We learnt more overnight about the injuries she's battling with. It is a tough time for her," he says.
"I hope and pray for her recovery as speedily as possible."
Thu 22 Oct 2026 at 9:03amThu 22 Oct 2026 at 9:03am
PM says there's been a 'normalisation' of aggressive behaviour
By Joshua Boscaini
Federal police, ASIO and Home Affairs department officials met for a safety briefing with parliamentarians yesterday following the attack on Victorian MP Helen Haines.
MPs were encouraged to report more of the threats they received and were urged to share their diaries with the AFP to help police keep track of scheduled public events.
They were also advised to frequently change their daily habits, such as the route they took to work or other regular destinations.
Some MPs told the ABC they were underwhelmed by the briefing and did not get the answers they were seeking.
Asked whether he's aware of those concerns from some MPs, Anthony Albanese says "of course" people are concerned, but he hasn't responded directly to the question.
"There has been a normalisation of behaviour that can be very aggressive in a way that wasn't happening a couple of decades ago," Mr Albanese says.
"I think [MPs] probably right across the political spectrum have had experience [of aggressive behaviour], certainly all of them online. There would be no question about that."
Key Event
Thu 22 Oct 2026 at 9:01amThu 22 Oct 2026 at 9:01am
Albanese describes Phil Haines's statement as 'remarkable'
By Joshua Boscaini
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has joined 702 ABC Sydney to speak about the attack on Indi MP Helen Haines.
Haines remains in a critical condition at The Alfred Hospital in Melbourne and has had both her legs amputated after she was attacked outside her electorate office in Wangaratta.
The prime minister says he thought Ms Haines's husband, Phil, delivered a "remarkable" statement yesterday.
"He spoke with such love about Helen's great characteristics of her heart, which is enormous, and her brain, which of course is also extraordinary," Mr Albanese says.
"She's an intelligent, diligent, local MP who is very compassionate and kind."
Thu 22 Oct 2026 at 8:56amThu 22 Oct 2026 at 8:56am
What is happening with the case against the alleged attacker?
By Dannielle Maguire
Brendan Nugent has been charged with three offences related to Helen Haines and faced court briefly yesterday.
The 43-year-old was not asked to enter a plea.
At this stage, Mr Nugent is due to return to court for a committal hearing on February 4.
There will be lots of work happening behind the scenes until then, court reporter Kristian Silva says.
Police have been given a Christmas Eve deadline to file a brief of evidence against Mr Nugent, which could be quite a large file.
Here's how Silva explains it:
"Typically, briefs contain police interviews, witness statements, security footage, downloads of mobile phone and computer data, and extracts of phone cell tower records.
"In Mr Nugent's case, it is likely police will scour the internet for his online posts.
"Usually, all relevant material gathered by police should be provided in full to the defence.
"Once the defence has the brief, an accused person can decide how to plead to the charges."
Find out more about what could happen next in the case in Silva's explainer below:
Thu 22 Oct 2026 at 8:42amThu 22 Oct 2026 at 8:42am
Wodonga mayor praises MP as a 'passionate advocate'
By Mackenzie Archer
Wodonga Mayor Michael Gobel spoke in support of Ms Haines at a vigil last night.
Several hundred people attended the ceremony to show their support for Ms Haines and her family.
Here's a bit of what Mr Gobel had to say:
“We extend our greatest sorrow for what has happened and heartfelt support for the challenging days ahead.
“What a passionate and determined advocate she is for our region."
Thu 22 Oct 2026 at 8:34amThu 22 Oct 2026 at 8:34am
In pictures: Notes left in support for Haines
By Dannielle Maguire
People have been placing flowers and notes to Ms Haines outside her electorate office in Wangaratta.
Here's a look at some of the messages people have left for the popular MP:
Key Event
Thu 22 Oct 2026 at 8:14amThu 22 Oct 2026 at 8:14am
Hospital update on the condition of Helen Haines
By Tim Callanan
The Alfred Hospital has told us this morning that Helen Haines remains in a critical condition.
Surgeons were forced to remove both of Ms Haines's legs after the incident outside her electorate office on Monday.
Yesterday, her husband Phil said she was stable, but the hospital's official position is that Ms Haines remains in a critical condition.
Thu 22 Oct 2026 at 7:54amThu 22 Oct 2026 at 7:54am
Security boost for Victorian election welcomed
By Tim Callanan
A commitment from Victorian Premier Ben Carroll to strengthen security ahead of next month's state election has been welcomed.
Mr Carroll said yesterday the government took the safety of elections "very seriously" and said Victoria Police would make additional resources available.
The commitment was welcomed by Democracy Counts Campaign director Tom Mooney.
"One of the great strengths of Australian democracy is that politicians are on the ground, talking with the people they represent, and are visible members of their communities," Mr Mooney says.
"To keep our democracy healthy, it's crucial that our politicians, candidates, staff and volunteers, and Australians they meet with, are safe and feel safe.
"We welcome the Victorian premier's announcement that additional resources will be put in place to keep all participants in the Victorian election safe."
Thu 22 Oct 2026 at 7:40amThu 22 Oct 2026 at 7:40am
Threats and harassment the 'new reality' of Australian politics
By Tim Callanan
Politicians have revealed harrowing experiences of threats and harassment, including intimidation targeting their children.
The alleged attack on Indi MP Helen Haines has fuelled concerns about how to keep political figures safe while remaining accessible to the public.
One senior Labor MP told the ABC the "worst" threat they had received was from a man who sent an "itemised list" of times and places where he had seen the politician's children in public.
One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce has revealed a man previously made a U-Turn and tried to drive at him, while Labor MP Jerome Laxale has told The Guardian he once received a bomb threat.
You can read more on this story here:
Thu 22 Oct 2026 at 7:27amThu 22 Oct 2026 at 7:27am
Fears incident may deter women from entering politics
By Tim Callanan
An organisation advocating for women in politics says it fears that increased online intimidation and threats will discourage women from serving in political roles.
The alleged attack on independent MP Helen Haines this week has prompted renewed debate about abuse directed at politicians.
A survey released earlier this year by Women for Election found 90 per cent of female politicians and candidates had experienced online abuse or intimidation.
Women for Election CEO Licia Heath says she's concerned about the potential impacts, if women are deterred from entering politics.
"That was concerning us in terms of what that future candidate pipeline of female talent was going to look like in the future in this country, and the pressure that that was going to put on the quality of our democracy, also," she says.
"Right now, it is really hard for anybody who is considering running for office. They would be asking more questions than they would have been a week ago. But now is not the time to walk away either."
Thu 22 Oct 2026 at 7:16amThu 22 Oct 2026 at 7:16am
Save the Children donations exceed $240K
By Eden Regan
As of this morning, more than $240,000 has been donated to Save the Children after Mr Haines asked yesterday that people direct their support for his wife to the non-profit organisation "in lieu of flowers and gifts".
On the fundraising page, donors are encouraged to honour Ms Haines's deep commitment to helping others by making a contribution to the charity.
By donating to Save the Children, you can honour that spirit of compassion and help create a brighter future for children in Australia and around the world.
Key Event
Thu 22 Oct 2026 at 6:57amThu 22 Oct 2026 at 6:57am
Some images from last night's vigil in Wodonga
By Tim Callanan
Several hundred people attended a vigil in Wodonga to show their support for local MP Helen Haines, who remains in a critical condition in hospital.
Many supporters wore orange, a colour associated with the Voices for Indi political movement.
Key Event
Thu 22 Oct 2026 at 6:40amThu 22 Oct 2026 at 6:40am
Former Indi MP Cathy McGowan speaks about Helen Haines
By Tim Callanan
Cathy McGowan held the seat of Indi from 2013 until her retirement from politics in 2019.
Helen Haines has held the seat since Ms McGowan's retirement.
Ms McGowan attended a vigil for Ms Haines in the north-east Victorian city of Wodonga last night and says she's glad Ms Haines is still alive, despite her horrific ordeal.
"Her heart and her brain are there, she's alive. So, grasp the mercies that we've got, be grateful for what we've got, and continue to support her family as it does its next bit of work," she says.
"Her brain, her wisdom and her personality are still going to be with us."
Ms McGowan joined the chorus of MPs pleading for the political temperature to be turned down as Victoria heads into the state election next month.
"We're talking about a woman who goes to work and outside her office, in a public place, she was not safe," she says.
"And then, of course, we're talking about how close to home politics is to all this, because we 've got the Victorian election coming up.
"We need to be much, much better as we work through this Victorian election."
Thu 22 Oct 2026 at 6:26amThu 22 Oct 2026 at 6:26am
Police on high alert after alleged attack on Helen Haines
By Zena Chamas and Madi Chwasta
The Australian Federal Police have long warned of escalating threats of violence against politicians, with Monday's alleged attack on Ms Haines sparking wider conversations about the level of safety public servants are entitled to.
Read more here:
Thu 22 Oct 2026 at 6:16amThu 22 Oct 2026 at 6:16am
Town hosts vigil for Indi MP
By Eden Regan
Just 70km north-east of Wangaratta, in the regional town of Wodonga, hundreds gathered to pay tribute to Ms Haines at a vigil on Wednesday night.
The ABC's Gaye Pattison shared her view of the scenes in Wangaratta.
Politicians from across the border and people from all backgrounds are trying to find meaning and comfort.
Many stories are being shared of Helen's kindness and authenticity.
They've turned up because that's what Helen would do.
Key Event
Thu 22 Oct 2026 at 6:05amThu 22 Oct 2026 at 6:05am
What charges is the accused attacker facing?
By Tim Callanan
Brendan Nugent, 43, faced court for the first time yesterday, after he was arrested at the scene of the incident involving MP Helen Haines on Monday.
It could be close to four months before he is seen in court again.
After holding Mr Nugent in custody for about a day, Victoria Police charged him with dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury and causing harm to a Commonwealth public official.
He is also facing charges of possessing and cultivating cannabis.
You can read more about the charges he's facing and the likely legal process that awaits him here:
Key Event
Thu 22 Oct 2026 at 6:02amThu 22 Oct 2026 at 6:02am
Man armed with 'nunchucks' threatens Western Australia MP
By Eden Regan
Police have arrested a man armed with nunchucks who was making verbal threats at state MP Hannah Beazley's electoral office in the inner-city Perth suburb of Victoria Park.
Ms Beazley said it was especially concerning due to the "heightened environment" following the alleged attack on Helen Haines in Victoria.
"Oftentimes my local police say to me I should be calling them more often with some of the stuff we see in the electoral office.
"I'm a highly accessible member of parliament, I love that … every time I walk down the street, I'm stopped for a conversation — I do not want to see that change at all."
Thu 22 Oct 2026 at 6:00amThu 22 Oct 2026 at 6:00am
Welcome to today's blog
By Tim Callanan
We'll continue to keep you updated on developments related to the shocking incident involving Indi MP Helen Haines this week.
Source: ABC Australia · By Tim Callanan, Dannielle Maguire and political reporter Joshua Boscaini
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