Australian MPs Demand More Security After Attack on Helen Haines
Australian lawmakers are calling for increased security funding after independent MP Helen Haines lost both legs in a targeted vehicle attack in Victoria.
Independent Member of Parliament Helen Haines suffered the amputation of both legs after a Toyota Land Cruiser pinned her against her car and rammed her multiple times outside her office in Wangaratta, Victoria, on Monday. Authorities described the incident as a targeted and deliberate attack. Brendan Nugent, a 43-year-old resident of Tarrawingee, has been charged with intentionally causing serious injury, dangerous driving causing serious injury, and causing harm to a public official. Nugent remains in custody until February.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and other officials characterized the attack as a reflection of increasing political polarization and online extremism. While police are investigating whether Nugent held radical antigovernment views, the Australian Federal Police noted there was no prior intelligence suggesting a threat to Haines. The incident follows a reported rise in threats against Australian legislators, which doubled between 2021 and 2025.
In response, federal politicians are calling for increased security resources for their homes and electorate offices. During safety briefings with the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Security and Intelligence Organisation, MPs reported spending thousands of dollars of their own money on security upgrades like cameras and floodlights. While Albanese stated that security funding has increased in recent years, backbenchers and crossbenchers argue they remain under-resourced compared to federal ministers. Proposed solutions include the creation of a new safety committee and increased police resources.
