Person
Anthony Albanese
- Follow-up: Albanese fast-tracks review of MPs' security after attack on independent MP Helen Haines
Independent federal MP Helen Haines was seriously injured after being hit by a car last week. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told the Labor caucus on the morning of Tuesday, Oct 27, that the government will accelerate a review of MPs' security that was originally due to report next year, calling last week a turning point, and said options including emergency alarms are being considered. The Sydney Morning Herald reported that MPs from all parties met intelligence agencies after the attack, many complaining that security requests were processed too slowly, and that the government is weighing a large-scale upgrade of security at MPs' homes.
Oct 27, 2026 Afternoon - Follow-up: Helen Haines's first words after waking were concern for staff and thanks to bystanders; Parliament pauses for tributes
After independent MP for Indi Helen Haines was hit by a car outside her electorate office in Wangaratta last week and had both legs amputated, federal Parliament resumed on Monday, Oct 26, and suspended normal business to pay tribute to her. The independent MP for Wentworth relayed that Haines's husband said her first words after waking were to ask whether her staff were safe and to thank the bystanders and doctors who helped her. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and other leaders spoke, security in public areas of Parliament House has been tightened, and police are still investigating it as a deliberate attack.
Oct 26, 2026 Afternoon - Follow-up: MP Helen Haines loses one leg after Wangaratta car attack; doctors fight to save the other
Australian federal independent MP Helen Haines, hit by a white Toyota Landcruiser outside her electorate office on Murphy Street in Wangaratta, Victoria, on the afternoon of Oct 19, has had one leg amputated at Melbourne's Alfred Hospital; doctors are still trying to save the other, and she remains in a critical condition. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the attack 'deliberate'; Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the car struck her twice, and federal police called it an 'isolated incident' while considering charges including harming a Commonwealth public official, which carries up to 10 years in prison. Local media named the arrested man as 43-year-old Brendan Nugent of Tarrawingee; a passer-by barber dragged him from the car and took a knife.
Oct 20, 2026 Afternoon - Independent MP Helen Haines critically injured after being hit by car outside Wangaratta office; PM calls it 'deliberate act'
Australian federal independent MP Helen Haines, member for Indi, was hit by a white Toyota Landcruiser outside her electorate office on Murphy Street in Wangaratta, north-east Victoria, at about 3:35 pm on Oct 19; she is in a critical condition and underwent surgery in Melbourne. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the car did a U-turn and hit her in a 'deliberate act'; federal police and the security intelligence organisation are investigating the motive and counter-terrorism police are involved. Victoria Police arrested a 43-year-old man from nearby Tarrawingee at the scene and found a knife in the car; a local barber took the knife and held him until police arrived, and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said reports of threats or harassment against politicians rose from 951 to 1,067 in the past year.
Oct 20, 2026 Morning - One Nation cartoon mocks Senator Jacqui Lambie's prolapse; PM and parties back Lambie
The latest episode of One Nation's 'Please Explain' political cartoon series depicts Tasmanian independent Senator Jacqui Lambie saying she 'can't laugh because of vaginal prolapse', with crude sound effects. Lambie told the Senate in August she has vaginal and bladder prolapse, needs surgery and would take five months' leave. In a statement on Oct 19 she said disclosing her condition did not make her health fair game, and that One Nation was also mocking many women with reproductive health problems. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commented 'thank you for your courage' under her Instagram statement; the Coalition and independent Senator Pocock also backed her. The Sydney Morning Herald reported One Nation leader Pauline Hanson said Lambie should 'get over it' and 'have a laugh'.
Oct 19, 2026 Afternoon