Helen Haines is in a critical condition after an alleged attack. Here’s what we know so far

Here’s what we know so far

• A major police investigation is under way into the incident on Monday afternoon, with Victoria police, the Australian federal police, Asio and counter terrorism investigators involved.

• Prime minister Anthony Albanese said Haines was allegedly “attacked” outside her electorate office in Murphy Street, Wangaratta, in northern Victoria.

• Police said a 43-year-old man from Tarrawingee was allegedly involved in the incident. He was driving a white Toyota land cruiser.

• He was detained by passersby after the incident and police said a knife was seized from the car.

• The motive for the alleged attack is not known.

• A crime scene is in place and the man has been taken to Wangaratta police station for questioning.

• Police said that they were investigating whether it was an intentional act, and it was not known if “the parties are known to each other”.

• No one else is being sought by police in relation to the incident.

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

• Haines was taken to hospital by road immediately after the attack.

• In a statement, Haines’ 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 1060 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”.