Female Victorian MPs fear for their safety after alleged attack on Helen Haines

Summary

Victorian MPs, especially women, say hostility and threats from constituents are making them fear for their safety, after an alleged attack on federal independent MP Helen Haines in her regional Victorian electorate. Georgie Purcell, a Victorian upper house MP whose region partly overlaps Haines's electorate, shared a statement on Monday night in support of Haines, saying the alleged attack had sent a chill down her spine. Purcell said being a woman in politics had changed how she moves through the world, including where she parks, which route she takes home, and whether she holds public events at all. The Guardian reports that hostility from constituents is not new for the state's politicians, including its premiers, but that the alleged attack has heightened concern ahead of next month's state election.

Timeline

1. The Guardian

   22 Oct 2026, 14:00 UTCSource ↗

   The Guardian reports that Georgie Purcell, a Victorian upper house MP, said on Monday night that the alleged attack on Helen Haines had sent a chill down her spine, and that being a woman in politics has changed how she moves, including where she parks, her route home and whether she holds public events.