Story perspectives

Man arrested after ramming MP Helen Haines twice

By Drooid · Oct 20, 2026, 10:00 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Helen Haines Attacked

Helen Haines, a federal MP, was repeatedly struck by a Toyota LandCruiser outside her Wangaratta office.
Brendan Nugent, 43, of Tarrawingee, was arrested after ramming Haines twice.
Haines lost a leg, suffered severe injuries and was airlifted to Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital.
Victoria Police, AFP and ASIO are investigating the incident as isolated and assessing political motive.
Barber Ricky Jefferies and roadhouse worker Cody Lepoidevin restrained Nugent and removed a knife.

Summary

AFP Records Threats

Australian Federal Police recorded 1,067 threat reports against politicians in the latest financial year, a 12% rise.
The prior financial year logged 555 threat incidents, less than half the current total.
ASIO director Mike Burgess warned that political-violence threats could reach unprecedented levels through 2030.
Counter-terrorism units were deployed to investigate the Haines incident, showing heightened MP security protocols.

History

Historical Context

On 28 April 1996, Martin Bryant killed 35 people at Tasmania’s Port Arthur historic site. The horror prompted the newly elected John Howard government to negotiate the National Firearms Agreement within two weeks, imposing strict licensing, a buy-back and a national registry. The reforms, first drafted by police ministers in 1995, reshaped Australia’s gun-policy landscape.

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Helen Haines Attacked

Helen Haines, a federal MP, was repeatedly struck by a Toyota LandCruiser outside her Wangaratta office.
Brendan Nugent, 43, of Tarrawingee, was arrested after ramming Haines twice.
Haines lost a leg, suffered severe injuries and was airlifted to Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital.
Victoria Police, AFP and ASIO are investigating the incident as isolated and assessing political motive.
Barber Ricky Jefferies and roadhouse worker Cody Lepoidevin restrained Nugent and removed a knife.

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