Independent MP Helen Haines deliberately struck by car in Australia

A 43-year-old man deliberately drove a car into Australian federal MP Helen Haines on Monday, 19 October. The attack took place outside her office. Haines, who is 65, was flown to hospital by helicopter and is in critical condition. The motive is not yet known, but the case has raised wider questions about the safety of politicians in the country.

Arrest and investigation

Police spokeswoman Ashley Mason said a white Toyota Land Cruiser struck the MP in front of her office. Witnesses detained the driver, who was later taken into custody in Wangaratta, a city about a three-hour drive north-east of Melbourne. A knife was found in the vehicle. Mason confirmed there is no threat to the public.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said a counter-terrorism team will lead the investigation. He said it was too early to determine a motive, but noted that tensions have risen on social media. In his words, people write things online they would never say to someone's face, and similar incidents have been seen in other countries.

Political reaction

Albanese said he does not want a political system in which it is no longer possible to talk to people in a supermarket, on the street or at public forums, calling this an important part of democracy. Opposition leader Angus Taylor said the country must not become a place where attacks become the norm.

Threats against politicians

A study by the Inter-Parliamentary Union, an organisation of parliaments from 183 countries, published in February found that politicians worldwide increasingly face violence, threats and harassment. Some 71% of respondents reported experiencing violence, mostly online. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the number of cases of threats or harassment against legislators in Australia rose over the past year to 1,067, up from 951.