WIN News Illawarra - Dr Helen Haines MP

E&OE TRANSCRIPT

INTERVIEW - SEGMENT BY WIN NEWS ILLAWARRA

DAPTO RIBBONWOOD CENTRE

TUESDAY, 20 OCTOBER 2026

SUBJECTS: Helen Haines, Member for Indi.

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HOST: A deliberate attack on a federal MP has sparked nationwide terror after a car struck Helen Haynes, leaving her fighting for life. As federal colleagues say, there's an increased level of aggression and abuse that's starting to emerge.

MEG CLARIDGE, WIN NEWS ILLAWARRA: Laying flowers outside Helen Haynes' electorate office.

The 65-year-old independent member deliberately struck by a four-wheel drive yesterday afternoon in Victoria's North East. It's a turn in politics leaving local MPs frightened and confused.

CAROL BERRY MP: There's been a real outpouring of grief and concern for her.

As member for Whitlam, Carol Berry spends a day in the community she fought to represent. She's assessing risks in a different way.

CAROL BERRY MP: I think as well there's going to be a reckoning I think around how we engage with one another and so I think that's probably a national conversation that we need to have.

JOURNALIST: The grandmother is now in a critical but stable condition after losing one of her legs. Police say a 43-year-old man remains in custody.

The Australian Federal Police has outlined concerns about the growing threats against federal MPs in 2024 to 25, receiving 951 reports of harassing, nuisance, offensive and threatening behaviour. The following year, an increase to 1,067.

BERRY: I think there is this... increased level of aggression, abuse, that's starting to emerge or has been emerging and I think it's important that we confront that and that we address it head on.

JOURNALIST: Now questions turn to how our elected representatives will remain safe. Meg Claridge WIN News.

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