21 October 2026
On behalf of the African Australian Advocacy Centre, I extend our deepest concern and solidarity to Dr Helen Haines MP, her husband Phil, her children and wider family, her staff, and the people of Indi following the targeted attack outside her electorate office in Wangaratta.
Dr Haines remains in hospital in a critical condition after suffering life-changing injuries. Her family has spoken of the long road ahead. At this moment, our thoughts are first with Helen as a person — a wife, mother, grandmother, colleague, community member and public representative whose life has changed in circumstances no family should have to endure. ABC News
Dr Haines has represented Indi as an Independent Member of Parliament since 2019 and is now serving her third term. Before entering Parliament, her work as a nurse, midwife and health researcher was grounded in regional communities, where she has lived for almost four decades. Helen Haines MP
Her political independence is relevant here for a simple reason. Care, dignity and safety cannot depend on whether we share someone’s political views.
Public life requires disagreement. It also requires people to be able to serve, speak, meet their communities and participate in democracy without fear of violence.
At AAAC, our work is grounded in human rights, justice, equity and meaningful participation. Those commitments extend beyond one community, one state or one political position. They ask us to recognise the humanity of others and to speak clearly when violence enters public life.
We also acknowledge the people of Wangaratta and the wider Indi community who have responded with care. Members of the public rushed to help Dr Haines at the scene, emergency responders provided immediate assistance, and local residents have since gathered in support of her, her family and her team. ABC News
Our thoughts remain with Helen, her family, her colleagues and the communities she represents across north-east Victoria.
We hope the days ahead bring strength, good care and the privacy her family needs.
We also hope Australia continues to protect something fundamental to democratic life: the ability to disagree, advocate, serve and participate without violence.
Helen, your family, your colleagues and the people of Indi are in our thoughts.
Noël Zihabamwe
Founder & Executive Director
African Australian Advocacy Centre (AAAC)