Helen Haines has lost her legs after an alleged attack. Here’s what we know so far

Independent MP for Victorian seat of Indi in critical condition after incident on Monday afternoon

Helen Haines was chatting with locals at a dog park on Monday morning. By the afternoon, she was fighting for her life

Helen Haines , the independent federal MP for the Victorian seat of Indi, is in a critical condition after an alleged attack outside her electorate office in Wangaratta on Monday afternoon.

The incident happened about 3.35pm and involved a four-wheel drive outside Haines’ electorate office. The 65-year-old underwent surgery at Melbourne’s Alfred hospital and is in a critical but stable condition. A 43-year-old man has been taken to Wangaratta police station for questioning.

A crime scene was in place and the man was taken to Wangaratta police station for questioning.

Albanese alleged the incident was a “deliberate act”. Police previously said it was not yet confirmed if “the parties are known to each other”.

Albanese said he was not aware of any specific threat to the Indi MP before the incident.

Haines was taken to the Wangaratta hospital immediately after the attack before being airlifted to Melbourne for treatment. .

In a statement, Haines’s family confirmed that she had been injured and thanked bystanders for their assistance.

Threats against federal MPs and other high-profile people have been rising. In the 2025-26 financial year, more than 1,060 were recorded by authorities, up from about 950 in the year before.

Leaders across parliament have sent well wishes to Haines and her family.

In a snap press conference on Monday evening, Albanese described Haines, who has represented Indi since 2019, as a “thoroughly decent human being, full of integrity and respected right across parliament”.