![\"Benita](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/1792446850_757_Benita_Kolovos.png\")
Benita Kolovos<\/p>\nKey events<\/p>\n
Benita Kolovos<\/p>\n
Victorian premier urges focus on online hate and misogyny<\/p>\n
The Victorian premier, Ben Carroll, is speaking on ABC Radio Melbourne this morning.<\/p>\n
He says he was \u201cshocked and sickened\u201d to hear the news of the attack last night and described Helen Haines as a \u201crare flower in public life\u201d who has dedicated her life to caring for others.<\/p>\n
Asked by host Raf Epstein is he was surprised, Carroll says:<\/p>\n
double quotation markThis act of violence is just unfathomable that it\u2019s occurred in Australia. We\u2019ve got to stand up, call it out, and make sure that this is a turning point. That we don\u2019t just have words, we put deeds. Let\u2019s put an action plan together. Let\u2019s look at online hate. Let\u2019s look at misogyny. Let\u2019s look at the targeting of female representatives. <\/p>\n
Carroll says while law enforcement agencies need to do their work, he believes there\u2019s \u201cno doubt\u201d we are living in a \u201cmore polarised\u201d world driven by algorithms. He goes on:<\/p>\n
double quotation markAlgorithms are controlling so much of the narrative these days. But what\u2019s worse than that, Raf, in this post-fact information system, there are no consequences for what goes on on online platforms. I\u2019ve complained to Meta and X, and I just get the email back [saying] there\u2019s no breach of any duties there. People can put up continuously misinformation and disinformation online, and there\u2019s be no consequences.<\/p>\n
Share<\/a> Independent MP Sophie Scamps, who holds the Sydney seat of Mackellar, told ABC RN Haines would advocate for her community in the \u201cstrongest but most respectful way\u201d.<\/p>\n double quotation markShe does it with this immense grace. And I\u2019ll even just note like Monique (Ryan) when we (independents) all first got elected back in 2022, made these t-shirts \u2018What would Helen do?\u2019 <\/p>\n She is an inspiration to all of us because of the grace and humour with which she holds herself.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Safety \u2018getting worse\u2019 in lead up to Victorian state election, state MP says<\/p>\n Here\u2019s more from Nationals Victorian state MP Tim McCurdy, whose electorate covers Wangaratta:<\/p>\n double quotation markIt\u2019s certainly getting worse with a state election, but I mean, that has no boundaries.<\/p>\n Helen being a federal MP. She\u2019s not tied up in this state election at all.<\/p>\n But certainly the heat certainly is in the community – all communities – as this election is coming up.<\/p>\n Asked by ABC News Breakfast about the issues igniting the political heat, McCurdy says renewables are a significant concern.<\/p>\n double quotation markPeople aren\u2019t anti-renewable in this area, but they are anti- the fact that we don\u2019t have a say, and farmers and communities don\u2019t have a say about what\u2019s happening in their community.<\/p>\n Guardian Australia\u2019s Victorian state correspondent, Benita Kolovos, has written about renewables ahead of the election.<\/p>\n Share<\/a> I\u2019m going to hand you over to my colleague Kat Wong now, who will take you through the rest of this morning\u2019s updates.<\/p>\n Share<\/a>Haines in critical but stable condition after being rammed twice in alleged attack: Burke The home affairs minister, Tony Burke, says Helen Haines was twice rammed in the alleged attack in Wangaratta on Monday.<\/p>\n Speaking on ABC radio, Burke said the Indi MP remains in a critical but stable condition on Tuesday morning.<\/p>\n He said:<\/p>\n double quotation markWhat witnesses have described is the driver doing a U-turn to get into the car park and to ram Helen against a vehicle, then to reverse and do it a second time.<\/p>\n A bystander ran towards the scene, got the driver out of the vehicle and held the driver until police arrived. And I think every Australian is grateful for those moments when a hero like this runs towards the most dangerous place.<\/p>\n Tony Burke. Photograph: Lukas Coch\/AAPShare<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a017.49 EDT<\/p>\n Wangaratta, the rural city in which the incident occurred last night, is a tight-knit community in north-east Victoria<\/a>. Wangaratta city proper had about 20,000 people at the last census, while the broader LGA had just under 30,000.<\/p>\n A map locating Wangaratta in relation to the border of NSW and Victoria. <\/a><\/p>\n Located on the flatlands at the junction of the Ovens and King rivers, it\u2019s rural centre servicing the wine and produce region of north-east Victoria such as Milawa, Beechworth and the King Valley, and a gateway to the mountains.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a017.17 EDT<\/p>\n Suspect to be interviewed by police this morning<\/p>\n Police expect to interview the suspect in the alleged attack on MP Helen Haines this morning, acting superintendent Ashley Mason has said, speaking just now to ABC News Breakfast.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a016.53 EDT<\/p>\n Wangaratta mayor praises \u2018brave\u2019 local barber who stepped in<\/p>\n The mayor of Wangaratta, Irene Grant, has expressed gratitude to the \u201cbrave\u201d bystander \u2013 a local barber \u2013 who stepped in to apprehend the alleged attacker.<\/p>\n Speaking to RN, Grant said:<\/p>\n double quotation markI spoke to the barber this morning and he just shrugged his shoulders. He seemed to just take it in his stride. This was something that he had to do and he did it.<\/p>\n And he didn\u2019t, he was very modest. He was extraordinarily modest about the very brave action that he took yesterday \u2026 he did an amazing job.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a016.59 EDT<\/p>\n Albanese \u2018shaken\u2019 by alleged attack on MP<\/p>\n Anthony Albanese said he feels \u201cshaken\u201d after the attack on Haines.<\/p>\n Still speaking on ABC News Breakfast, he said:<\/p>\n double quotation markThe fact that an incident like this can occur is something that does shake all of us \u2026 It will have an impact on all Australians, not just members of parliament.<\/p>\n Albanese said while \u201cit\u2019s about Helen today and her recovery\u201d, he expected \u201cthe debate about political discourse and the way we conduct ourselves will, of course, be ongoing\u201d.<\/p>\n The prime minister will be briefed later this morning on the investigation into the attack.<\/p>\n He described Haines as:<\/p>\n double quotation mark[Characterised] by her kindness, her compassion, her diligence, her intelligence. She\u2019s someone who is very passionate about advocating for the interests of north Victoria.<\/p>\n She\u2019s someone who \u2026 was widely respected right across the political spectrum because the way that she advocates is very respectable.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a017.51 EDT<\/p>\n \u2018It\u2019s very clear that this was a deliberate act\u2019, PM says<\/p>\n The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, said Haines\u2019 alleged attacker \u201cdid a U-turn in order to get back to where Helen Haines was\u201d after passing her on the road.<\/p>\n The PM has been speaking on ABC TV just now. He reiterated that he won\u2019t speculate on motivation of the alleged attacker, but said \u201cit\u2019s very clear that this was a deliberate act.\u201d<\/p>\n He continued:<\/p>\n double quotation markIt would appear that the driver of the vehicle that inflicted the damage to Helen Haines did a U-turn in order to get back to where Helen Haines was after passing where she was getting things from the boot or putting things into the boot of her car.<\/p>\n So it\u2019s clear that there was a deliberate act here, this wasn\u2019t an accident \u2013 someone, you know, just getting off the road here.<\/p>\n The motivation is not clear at this time. It\u2019s important we don\u2019t speculate on that, but allow facts to be found, and I\u2019m sure that the police investigation will do that.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a016.30 EDT<\/p>\n Morning folks, Stephanie Convery with you now \u2013 I\u2019ll be bringing you live updates here for the next little while.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a016.18 EDT<\/p>\n We\u2019ve just received an update from the Alfred hospital, where Helen Haines underwent surgery last night. A spokesperson said she remains in a critical condition.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a016.10 EDT<\/p>\n Tim McCurdy and David Pocock shocked by alleged attack on Haines<\/p>\n It \u201cbeggars belief\u201d that Helen Haines would be involved in an incident like this, Victorian National MP Tim McCurdy told the ABC\u2019s RN this morning.<\/p>\n double quotation markHelen is just a lovely person and I just cannot for the life of me see how anyone could take offence at Helen and have this attitude towards her. It\u2019s just appalling.<\/p>\n McCurdy says he heard about the incident after the state emergency service called him yesterday to \u201cdescribe what they could\u201d. McCurdy, whose electorate takes in Wangaratta, where the incident occurred, said he usually feels safe in his local area.<\/p>\n double quotation markI mean, all MPs, but particularly regional MPs, we make ourselves available to everybody wherever at any time. And this is what\u2019s so hard to believe: that if you can\u2019t walk down the street in Wangaratta or any other regional town like this with the fear of this going on, it\u2019s just shocking.<\/p>\n Speaking to RN, independent senator David Pocock echoed McCurdy\u2019s sentiment.<\/p>\n double quotation markSpending time with people in our communities is really at the heart of what we do. I\u2019ve done joint events with Helen down in Indi, and you see hundreds of people wanting to come and talk about what matters to them.<\/p>\n Pocock said people were generally respectful at public events towards MPs but that he had noticed \u201can uptick in very angry people calling my office\u201d.<\/p>\n double quotation markI\u2019ve had staff in tears having to deal with some of the abuse that they copped.<\/p>\n Helen Haines and David Pocock in February. Photograph: Mick Tsikas\/AAPShare<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a016.09 EDT<\/p>\n Albanese says MPs\u2019 security a balancing act<\/p>\n Asked if security would be stepped up after the attack, Albanese said he doesn\u2019t want politicians to lose the ability to engage with their communities.<\/p>\n double quotation markWe take the advice of the security agencies, including, of course, the Australian federal police, you know, and we act upon that advice, but I never want to lose the opportunity for people to mix with their representatives.<\/p>\n That\u2019s a really important part of our democracy. But we continue to take advice.<\/p>\n He added: \u201cI think we can have disagreements without questioning people\u2019s motives or their patriotism.\u201d<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a016.06 EDT<\/p>\n PM urges reduction in temperature of political debate<\/p>\n Anthony Albanese says Australians need to turn down the temperature of political and public debate.<\/p>\n double quotation markAll of us are responsible for that. Whether we\u2019re politicians, whether we\u2019re the media, whether we\u2019re citizens, in just being able to discuss things in a civil way.<\/p>\n We can have disagreements in a democracy.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a016.05 EDT<\/p>\n Helen Haines still in critical condition: Albanese Anthony Albanese says the Indi MP, Helen Haines, is still in a critical condition on Tuesday morning, after undergoing surgery last night.<\/p>\n He says Monday\u2019s attack was a deliberate attempt to harm the independent MP.<\/p>\n Albanese has told Seven that he spoke with Haines\u2019 husband, Phil, last night, in the hours after the attack.<\/p>\n A man remains in police custody.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a015.57 EDT<\/p>\n Anthony Albanese: ‘This is a tragic situation’<\/p>\n The prime minister is speaking on Channel Seven\u2019s Sunrise program this morning.<\/p>\n He says he will be briefed by police on the investigation into the alleged attack on Helen Haines<\/a> later this morning, alongside the Victorian premier, Ben Carroll.<\/p>\n double quotation markAt this stage its not clear what that motivation was.<\/p>\n But he alleged: \u201cIt is clear that this wasn\u2019t just an accident \u2013 this was an attempt to harm Helen Haines outside Wangaratta at her electorate office. Helen was getting things from the boot of her car when this incident occurred.\u201d<\/p>\n He said:<\/p>\n double quotation markThis is a tragic situation.<\/p>\n Our thoughts are with her this morning and today and we hope for a full recovery.<\/p>\n Anthony Albanese. Photograph: Hollie Adams\/ReutersShare<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a015.49 EDT<\/p>\n What we know so far<\/p>\n First of all let\u2019s set out what we know so far about what happened in Wangaratta yesterday. Helen Haines has been critically injured in an alleged attack involving a car outside her electorate office in Wangaratta, regional Victoria<\/a>, at about 3.35pm on Monday.<\/p>\n The independent MP was taken to Melbourne\u2019s Alfred hospital and underwent surgery overnight. She remains in a critical condition.<\/p>\n A 43-year-old man from Tarrawingee is in custody, and the alleged attack is being investigated by the Australian federal police, Asio and the joint counter-terror taskforce. The motive is not yet known. A knife was allegedly found in his car after he was detained by a passerby when he got out of his vehicle.<\/p>\n Anthony Albanese, Angus Taylor, the Greens leader, David Shoebridge, the One Nation leader, Pauline Hanson, and politicians across the parliament have sent their thoughts and well wishes to Haines and her family.<\/p>\n In a press conference on Monday evening, Albanese described Haines, who has represented Indi since 2019, as a \u201cthoroughly decent human being, full of integrity and respected right across parliament\u201d.<\/p>\n Addressing the media in Wangaratta on Monday evening, acting supt Ashley Mason said police were still investigating whether the incident was targeted. He said there was no ongoing threat to the community and nothing to indicate the parties were known to each other.<\/p>\n More detail here:<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a015.59 EDT<\/p>\n Welcome<\/p>\n Good morning and welcome to our rolling coverage of the alleged attack on the independent MP for Indi, Helen Haines<\/a>. She is in a critical condition in Melbourne\u2019s Alfred hospital after being struck by a car ourtside her electorate office in Wangaratta yesterday afternoon. A 43-year-old local man is in custody over the incident.<\/p>\n We will have the latest developments and reaction.<\/p>\n![\"Tess](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Tess_Ikonomou.png\")
Tess Ikonomou<\/p>\n![\"Stephanie](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/1792446852_550_Steph_Convery.png\")
Stephanie Convery<\/p>\n![\"Tom](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Tom_McIlroy.png\")
Tom McIlroy<\/p>\nTess Ikonomou<\/p>\nStephanie Convery<\/p>\nTess Ikonomou<\/p>\nTess Ikonomou<\/p>\nTom McIlroy<\/p>\n
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