Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said lawmakers are being offered security briefings after a vehicle struck independent MP Helen Haines, while urging them to keep meeting constituents.
In an Oct. 21 television interview, Albanese said the offer extended to government, opposition and crossbench lawmakers. He said security agencies assess the risks facing each member, but elected representatives must still be able to attend community events and speak with the public.
“That interaction is really important in our democracy,” Albanese said. He also said he had spoken with Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Director-General Mike Burgess about the incident.
Victoria Police allege a Toyota Landcruiser struck Haines, 65, outside an office in Wangaratta, Victoria, on Oct. 19. Police allege the collision was targeted. They charged a 43-year-old Tarrawingee man with dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally cause serious injury and the Commonwealth offence of causing harm to a Commonwealth public official.
Albanese said on Oct. 19 that a joint counterterrorism team had been activated. He said the motive was unknown.
Haines’ husband, Phil Haines, said surgeons had amputated both her legs, the left on Oct. 19 and the right on Oct. 21. He said she was alive and stable. Albanese had described her condition as critical earlier on Oct. 21.
Haines has represented the Victorian electorate of Indi as an independent since 2019. She is deputy chair of a parliamentary committee overseeing the National Anti-Corruption Commission. The House of Representatives is scheduled to sit Oct. 26-29.
