Live: Helen Haines remains critical as police investigation continues after 'attack'

Indi MP Helen Haines is in a critical condition in a Melbourne hospital after being "attacked" near her electorate office in Wangaratta, north-east Victoria.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is leading cross-party condemnation of the incident, as he reveals counter-terrorism police are investigating. 

Victoria Police said a 43-year-old Tarrawingee man has been arrested following the incident.

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Tue 20 Oct 2026 at 5:32amTue 20 Oct 2026 at 5:32am

A recap on last night's events

Independent MP Helen Haines was airlifted to hospital in Melbourne late last night with critical injuries.

The 65-year-old MP was struck by a landcruiser vehicle outside her Wangaratta electorate office just after 3:30pm yesterday.

A 43-year-old Tarrawingee man was arrested at the scene and spent the night in custody.

He was expected to be interviewed by police but we haven't received an update yet this morning.

Here's a recap of what we know so far:

Tue 20 Oct 2026 at 5:27amTue 20 Oct 2026 at 5:27am

Good morning

By Rachel Jewell

Good morning.

My name is Rachel, and I will be helping you through all the latest developments on Independent MP Helen Haines.

The federal MP  was critically injured in what Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has described as a "deliberate act" in regional Victoria.

Ms Haines was struck by a Toyota LandCruiser outside her office in Wangaratta on Monday afternoon and is being treated in hospital.