A principled politician falls victim to the new political violence

October 20, 2026 — 5:44pm

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The grotesque and senseless attack on Helen Haines is a tragic reminder of the vulnerability of Australian democracy to the growing viciousness that seems to be coursing through our national life.

A politician of palpable integrity, the independent federal MP for Indi was severely injured after being struck by a vehicle outside her north-eastern Victorian electorate office in Wangaratta on Monday afternoon. She has lost one leg and surgeons are attempting to save the other.

Local man Brendan Nugent is being questioned by police, who are treating the incident as isolated.

The outpouring of sympathy for Haines, who is held in deep affection and widely admired as the most respected politician in parliament, is matched by deep concerns about the trajectory of political violence. Australia joins other nations in grappling with rising incivility, increasingly hostile political discourse and a surging number of threats against elected leaders.

Thankfully, violent physical attacks against Australian politicians are a rarity. We are a nation more used to verbal aggression, public demonstrations and eggings as the........

© The Sydney Morning Herald