NCAM Condemns Attack on Dr Helen Haines MP and Stands Against Violence in Public Life

Media Release – 21 October 2026

The National Council of Australian Muslims (NCAM) condemns the attack on independent federal MP Dr Helen Haines outside her electorate office in Wangaratta, Victoria, on Monday afternoon. Dr Haines suffered life-changing injuries and remains in hospital. Our thoughts and prayers are with her, her husband Phil, her family and staff, and the people of Indi whom she serves.

NCAM Director Sajida Salman said the news had shocked Australians of every background. “Dr Haines was doing what local representatives do every day: turning up for her community. That she was harmed outside her own office is deeply distressing. We pray for her strength and recovery, and for her family as they face the long road ahead.”

NCAM acknowledges the member of the public who intervened to stop the driver, and the paramedics, police and medical teams whose swift actions saved Dr Haines’s life.

A man has been charged and the matter is now before the courts. NCAM urges the public and the media not to speculate about motive, and to allow police and the courts to do their work.

Ms Salman said violence against people in public life threatens everyone’s democratic voice. “Elected representatives must be able to meet the people they serve without fear. When one of them is attacked, every Australian loses something. Whatever our political views, we must reject violence completely and keep disagreement within the bounds of respect.”

NCAM supports measures that improve the safety of parliamentarians, their staff and electorate offices, and calls on all leaders to model the respectful public debate that a healthy democracy depends on.

“We stand with Dr Haines, her family and the people of Indi,” Ms Salman said. “Australians have shown time and again that we come together in difficult moments, and this must be one of them.”

For media inquiries, please contact: media@ncam.au

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National Council of Australian Muslims (NCAM) acknowledges all First Peoples as the Traditional Custodians throughout the land across Australia, and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We recognise and respect the historical and traditional connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples have to the land, water, culture and community. We appreciate the importance of the world’s oldest living culture, and support the union of a reconciled Australia. NCAM is committed to ensuring inclusion, equity and equality.