Counter-terrorism investigators have been brought in after independent federal MP Dr Helen Haines was struck by a vehicle in Wangaratta, in north-east Victoria, in an incident Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described as an attack.

Appearing in Sydney on Monday evening with Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, Mr Albanese confirmed that a suspect had been detained.

"There is a major police investigation underway, and I can confirm that a suspect is in custody," he said.

"The Australian Federal Police, Victorian Police, and ASIO are working together on this. The joint counter-terrorism team has been activated, but the motive is not known."

🚨 PM Albanese says independent MP Helen Haines was "attacked" outside her office today, and a suspect is in custody

Says the joint counter terror team has been activated, but notes no motive identified and it's "too early" to talk about

— Josh Butler (@JoshButler) October 19, 2026

According to Victoria Police, Dr Haines was hit by a white Toyota LandCruiser on Murphy Street, outside her office, at about 3.35pm. Police said the 43-year-old driver "was arrested at the scene by a passerby" after he got out of the vehicle, and that "the woman was taken to hospital with critical injuries".

Detectives are still working to establish a motive. "At this stage, police are investigating as to whether this was an intentional act," police said, adding that "it is not known yet if the parties are known to each other".

Police said the man would be interviewed in relation to the incident, and that Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives were on their way to Wangaratta.

BREAKING: Federal independent MP Helen Haines has been struck by a four-wheel drive outside her electoral office on the main street of Wangaratta at approximately 3:30pm. The Prime Minister is expected to provide an update on the incident soon. pic.twitter.com/B3xNcdD0kj

— 7NEWS Melbourne (@7NewsMelbourne) October 19, 2026

Mr Albanese said his thoughts and prayers were with Dr Haines, the people closest to her and the wider Indi community.

"Helen Haines is incredibly hard-working. She is fiercely intelligent, but most importantly, she's just a thoroughly decent human being, full of integrity and respected right across the parliament," he said.

Mr Burke pointed to a rise in reports of harassment and threats aimed at senior office holders.

"The year before last, we had 951 reports of harassing and threatening behaviour against various high office holders. The more recent financial year, that 951 has gone to 1,067," he said.

The figures are Australian Federal Police reports covering federal parliamentarians, high office holders and electorate offices, up 12 per cent on the 951 received in 2024-25.

Earlier, Dr Haines's family said she was "receiving medical care" and thanked "the swift assistance of bystanders and the dedicated health workers who assisted her, and police for their response". They asked for privacy, adding: "Please keep Helen in your thoughts."

Nationals MP Michael McCormack, whose electorate borders Indi, wrote on social media: "Sending my love and best wishes to Helen Haines for a full and speedy recovery. Such awful news."

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson said she was "horrified and saddened" that Dr Haines had been "seriously injured in an attack outside her electorate office".

"Violence against any elected representative, whoever they are and whatever they stand for, is never acceptable in Australia. Members of parliament and their staff must be able to serve their communities without fearing for their safety," Senator Hanson said in a statement posted on X.

Statement from Senator Pauline Hanson, One Nation Leader:

I am horrified and saddened that Helen Haines has been seriously injured in an attack outside her electorate office in Wangaratta today.

My thoughts are with Helen, her family and her staff. I wish her a full and speedy…

— Pauline Hanson 🇦🇺 (@PaulineHansonOz) October 19, 2026

Dr Haines, a former nurse and midwife, has held Indi since 2019, when she succeeded fellow independent Cathy McGowan. She won a third term at the 2025 election.

Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has CCTV or dashcam footage, to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at crimestoppersvic.com.au.

No charges had been announced at the time of publication. Rebel News will update this story as more information comes to hand.

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