Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett said Tuesday that the vehicle strike that critically injured independent lawmaker Helen Haines appeared isolated, with investigators aware of no related threats.
Barrett said federal police received 1,067 reports of harassment, nuisance, offensive behavior or threats involving senior officials, federal lawmakers, electorate offices and protected sites in 2025-26, up from 951 in 2024-25. Some reports did not meet the threshold for a criminal offense, she said.
Victoria Police charged a 43-year-old man from Tarrawingee after Haines was struck outside her office in Wangaratta, Victoria, on Oct. 19. Police listed three charges: intentionally cause serious injury; dangerous driving causing serious injury; and causing harm to a Commonwealth public official.
Victoria Police said Haines, 65, remained in critical but stable condition. It is leading the investigation with support from a joint counterterrorism team that includes federal police and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO).
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the collision as deliberate, citing eyewitness accounts, but said investigators had not established a motive.
Federal police plan further security briefings for lawmakers. Victoria Police said it would maintain an enhanced presence in Wangaratta. It separately appealed for witnesses and camera footage.
The man is scheduled to appear in Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on Oct. 21.
