Emily Kaine Updated October 22, 2026 — 11:36am, first published October 22, 2026 — 6:26am
Key Posts What you need to know today By Emily Kaine
Hello and welcome back to our rolling coverage after the attack on member for Indi, Helen Haines outside her electorate office in Wangaratta. Here’s what you need to know about this evolving story today.
Haines has lost both her legs but is in a stable condition, her husband Phil Haines said yesterday, as he addressed the nation alongside Governor-General Sam Mostyn. Mostyn said the attack “must be a moment for us to pause and choose to be better”. Hundreds of Haines supporters gathered for a vigil in support of the MP in Wodonga last night. Former independent MP for Indi, Cathy McGowan told the crowd the attack on Haines struck at the heart of Australian democracy, and that women across the electorate fear for their safety and question whether they can enter public life without facing violence. Authorities told anxious parliamentarians yesterday that the attack was probably an opportunistic strike rather than a premeditated plot as MPs from across the political spectrum say they hold serious concerns about their safety. And deleted social media posts of Brendan Nugent, the man accused of attacking Haines, reveal a prolonged period of serious psychological struggle. Police did not rule out laying further serious charges against the 43-year-old as the investigation into the attack continues. Latest Posts 11.36am MPs open up about nature of threats By
Greens senator Mehreen Faruqi has revealed that there have been two criminal charges brought against individuals for harassing her online this year, including one death threat. A handful of other threats are being investigated by the AFP.
The latest instance of harassment against the NSW senator was referred to law enforcement this week. The email in question, seen by this masthead, said: “Go back to your own country you c— or you’ll cop a bullet some time soon. You’re the only f—— invasive species here in Australia. You don’t belong here you c— dog.”