Australian MP Helen Haines Critical After Car Attack Outside Office
Bystanders intervened, disarming suspect after SUV reportedly struck MP twice in Victoria; police investigate deliberate act claims.
Sarah Connor
Australian MP Helen Haines is in critical condition after being hit by a car outside her electoral office in Victoria.
Haines was flown to Melbourne for emergency surgery following the incident.
Witnesses reported the suspect struck Ms Haines twice with an SUV. Eyewitnesses state the car performed a U-turn, drove into a car parking area outside Haines’ electorate office, and pinned her against her own vehicle.
Local barber Ricky Jefferies disarmed the suspect of a knife and held him until police arrived. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised Jefferies, calling him a hero.
Brendan Nugent, 43, from Tarrawingee, remains in police custody. He faces potential charges related to causing harm to a Commonwealth public official.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated the incident was a deliberate act. Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett, however, stated the incident appeared isolated.
Counterterrorism authorities are involved in the investigation. Australian Security Intelligence Organisation head Mike Burgess reiterated a warning that politically motivated violence is a top security concern.
Violent attacks on politicians are rare in Australia. Police reported in 2025 that threats against parliamentarians had doubled over the past three years, with over 1,000 threats in the 2025-2026 fiscal year.
Many targeted politicians are women. Nearly 90% of women in elected office or running for office experience online abuse or intimidation, according to Women for Election. Ms Haines worked in nursing, midwifery, and academia before entering parliament as an independent in 2019.