Helen Haines, independent MP for the neighbouring electorate of Indi, poses for a photo in front of Michelle Milthorpe campaign posters outside Albury Primary School during the Farrer By-Election in Albury, New South Wales on May 9, 2026. (Photo: AFP/ ️Hilary Wardhaugh)

Australian lawmaker wounded in attack, suspect in custody: PM

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SYDNEY: Australian independent lawmaker Helen Haines was wounded in a "serious incident" near her office on Monday (Oct 19), and a suspect is in custody, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.

"All of our thoughts are with Helen, her family, her friends, her team, and her community at this extremely difficult time. We are praying for her full recovery," Albanese told journalists.

According to Australian media, she was struck outside her electorate office in Victoria. The police said that she suffered "critical injuries".

Source: Agencies/nh

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