Politicians to get security brief after car attack left independent MP Helen Haines fighting for life

Australia’s security services will hold briefings for politicians after an alleged attack on independent MP Helen Haines left her fighting for her life.

Dr Haines remains in a critical condition and has had a leg amputated after being hit by a four-wheel drive outside her electorate office in Wangaratta, in Victoria’s north, on Monday afternoon.

The alleged attack on the widely respected member for Indi has prompted calls to review security arrangements for politicians, who are reporting ramp-ups in violent rhetoric and threats on their physical safety.

Spy agency ASIO and the Australian Federal Police, which on Tuesday pleaded with the public to reduce heated rhetoric to help stem the surge in harassment against politicians, are set to advise MPs and senators later on Wednesday.

Federal parliamentarians have already received six briefings from federal police, ASIO and the home affairs department in 2026, an AFP spokesperson told AAP.

Dr Haines’ fellow Victorian independent MP Monique Ryan told ABC Radio she had already referred two threats against her to law enforcement since Monday’s alleged attack.

“Just in the last 24 hours, my office has had at least two individuals who we’ve had to talk to the police about,” she said.

Dr Ryan lamented the possibility of surrounding MPs with more security, but said the idea merited discussion.

“It would detract from politicians’ enjoyment of their job, but it would also detract from their ability to do their job,” she said.

“I don’t think that just upping the ante on police and security is going to fix the problem or stop horrible things from happening again.

“Having said that, it is important that we do what we can to keep public figures safe.”

Australian politicians were “uniquely accessible to the public”, according to opposition defence spokesman James Paterson, who said electorate offices like where Dr Haines was attacked had inadequate protection.

“They are very exposed, and that’s not just a risk to us - that’s a risk to our staff, to our family members, and to our constituents,” he told ABC Radio.

Politicians are especially conspicuous within their communities, which Senator Paterson said could put a target on their back.

“Helen, by reports, was parking in front of or near her electorate office in a way that she could be identified ... that is a risky moment for a member of parliament - I think we should really consider whether that’s a wise arrangement.”

Security services are continuously monitoring the environment around politicians, and provide them protection based on their unique risk factors.

“The environment is tougher out there, but we also want to have a way which we do politics, which allows politicians to engage,” Defence Minister Richard Marles told ABC News, reiterating calls for public debate to calm down.

“I’m very fortunate to have a security detail, and I’ve expressed to them in the last 24 hours, 48 hours after this event, how grateful I am for them. I probably should be saying that to them more.”