Helen Haines seriously injured as concerns grow over threats to Australian MPs
Independent MP Helen Haines was severely injured after being struck by a car outside her office in Wangaratta, Victoria. Police arrested a 43-year-old man at the scene and seized a knife; they have not confirmed whether she was deliberately hit, although Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the incident as an apparent attack.
The incident has renewed concern about escalating threats and hostility towards Australian politicians. Government figures recorded 1,067 reports of harassing or threatening behaviour against high office holders in the year to June, up on the previous year. Recent cases have included threats against Albanese and other MPs, attacks on political offices and death threats against Small Business Minister Anne Aly.
- Helen Haines was severely injured after being struck by a car.
- Police arrested a man, but have not confirmed the motive.
- Threat reports against senior office holders have increased.
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Originally published by BBC World as “Warning signs over threats to Australian politicians were rising before MP hit by car”.