Story perspectives

Police treat Land Rover crash as suspected targeted attack

By Drooid · Oct 19, 2026, 10:47 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Helen Haines Struck

Independent MP Helen Haines was struck by a white Land Rover outside her Wangaratta office.
The crash occurred on Murphy Street after 3:30 pm Monday while she retrieved items from her car boot.
She suffered severe lower-body injuries and was airlifted to Melbourne in critical condition.
Police treat the incident as a suspected targeted attack and have deployed counter-terrorism units.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the attack at 7 pm briefing in Sydney.

Summary

McCormack Offers Condolences

Haines’ family issued a public statement requesting privacy and thanking bystanders, health workers, and police.
Two emergency-service vehicles responded, prompting closure of Murphy Street in both directions.
Nationals MP Michael McCormack posted condolences, wishing Haines a full and speedy recovery.
Police planned to release an official investigation statement on Monday night.

History

Historical Context

The October 12 2002 Bali bombings, carried out by militant Islamists, killed 202 people and crippled tourism. In response, Prime Minister John Howard pledged A$500 million for reconstruction and the Australian Federal Police formed a Counter-Terrorism Unit in 2003. That emergency framework was invoked when Independent MP Helen Haines was struck in Wangaratta, prompting rapid deployment of counter-terrorism officers.

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Helen Haines Struck

Independent MP Helen Haines was struck by a white Land Rover outside her Wangaratta office.
The crash occurred on Murphy Street after 3:30 pm Monday while she retrieved items from her car boot.
She suffered severe lower-body injuries and was airlifted to Melbourne in critical condition.
Police treat the incident as a suspected targeted attack and have deployed counter-terrorism units.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the attack at 7 pm briefing in Sydney.

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