MPs briefed on security after MP Haines car attack

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 22 Oct, 19:32 · Archive

Federal parliamentarians have been advised to change their routines and report threats following a car ram attack on independent MP Helen Haines.

Independent MP Helen Haines was rammed twice by a driver in a LandCruiser in a carpark near her Wangaratta electorate office on Monday in what appeared to be a deliberate and targeted attack. She remains in hospital after both legs were amputated.

Following the attack, the Australian Federal Police, ASIO and the Home Affairs Department briefed federal parliamentarians on security measures. Officials advised MPs and senators to mix up their daily routines, maintain heightened situational awareness around their electorate offices, avoid advertising public appearances in advance, vary their travel routes, and share their diaries with the AFP so police could track public events. They were also encouraged to report more of the threats they receive.

Some parliamentarians said they were underwhelmed by the briefing. Greens leader David Shoebridge told ABC News he was not impressed, saying it was no different to previous security briefings. Issues of security provision for homes and offices appear not to have been answered to the satisfaction of many who attended.

How it is being reported

• Helen Haines pressed PM on regional health days before car attackIndependent MP Helen Haines met with Anthony Albanese to lobby for regional health funding just five days before being critically injured in a targeted car attack.ABC Australian Capital Territory · 22 Oct, 19:00
• Police and ASIO brief MPs on personal security measures following Haines attackFederal parliamentarians have been advised to mix up their daily routines and take extra safety precautions following the attack on independent MP Helen Haines, who remains in hospital after having lost both her legs. The Australian Federal Police, ASIO and the Home Affairs Department briefed MPs and senators, with the officials telling the politicians to […]Region Canberra · 22 Oct, 06:09

In this story: Helen Haines · Anthony Albanese · David Shoebridge · Australian Federal Police · ASIO · Wangaratta · Alfred hospital

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem