Fellow MPs in Canberra have paid emotional tributes to Helen Haines, who had both legs amputated after an alleged attack outside her electorate office in Wangaratta. Independent MP Monique Ryan said a man drove at Helen, while others ran to help and saved her life. Several MPs called for action on violence and abuse, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese saying rage and aggression are rising in politics and across public-facing work. Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek described violence as an ugly, dangerous dead end for democracy.
MPs paid tribute to Indi MP Helen Haines in parliament on Monday after an alleged attack outside her Wangaratta office. Allegra Spender said Haines's first concerns after waking were for her staff, and thanked first responders, nurses and bystanders. Haines is in a serious but stable condition after the attack, which led to the loss of both legs. A 43-year-old man has been charged, and the incident remains under investigation. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese warned of rising anger in public life, and Haines has been granted leave until 26 November.
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett says heated political debate is directly linked to threats against parliamentarians. Speaking on the ABC's Insiders program, she said the threat environment has worsened, with a daily report listing threats made to the AFP. Security at Parliament House is being reassessed after a car ramming attack on independent MP Helen Haines in her Wangaratta electorate. Dr Haines has had both legs amputated and remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition. Police say a man, Brendan Nugent, has been charged over the incident, and investigators are working to establish a possible motive.
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Police are investigating after Victorian emergency services minister Paul Edbrooke found a bullet on his car on Saturday. The bullet was inscribed with the word RAT and his old firefighter number. Mr Edbrooke called it a death threat and said he had reported it to police. The United Firefighters Union condemned the threat and asked police to find the person responsible. Union secretary Peter Marshall later questioned whether the bullet had been placed on the car at all. Victoria Police said its Security Investigation Unit is investigating.
The Municipal Association of Victoria has recognised long-serving councillors through its 2026 MAV Councillor Service Awards. MAV President Jennifer Anderson said recipients should be proud of their leadership and commitment to residents. She said the role is demanding and often done as a second job or alongside family care. Awards were presented at 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30-year service levels, plus a Mayor Emeritus Award. The association said the recipients have left a lasting mark on communities across the state.
Parliament will pause to pay tribute to independent MP Helen Haines, a week after she was allegedly struck by a four-wheel drive outside her Wangaratta electorate office. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is expected to move a motion setting aside much of Monday for colleagues to offer messages of support. Haines remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition, and both her legs have been amputated. A fundraiser set up by her family for Save the Children had passed $1.2 million by Monday morning. Police are investigating a potential motive, and a suspect has been named in media reports.
Parliament returns this week without independent MP Helen Haines, who was struck by a car outside her Wangaratta office. Police are treating the incident as a deliberate attack, and both her legs have since been amputated. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is expected to move a motion allowing MPs to offer messages of support. Security has been increased across public areas of Parliament House, and MPs have backed calls for a civility pledge.
Brendan Nugent has been charged over an alleged deliberate ramming of independent MP Helen Haines in Wangaratta. Police say he has been charged with dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury and causing harm to a Commonwealth public official. Nugent remains in custody. Dr Haines remains in a serious but stable condition in Melbourne's Alfred Hospital after both legs were amputated. Video obtained by Nine News shows Nugent's 2022 arrest after a standoff with police in Wangaratta, where he was tasered and later released without charges. The Australian Federal Police say the motive is still under investigation.
Australia's federal police commissioner, Krissy Barrett, says heated political rhetoric is fuelling threats and abuse against politicians. Independent MP Helen Haines remains in a serious but stable condition in Melbourne after an alleged deliberate attack outside her Wangaratta office. Barrett said threats are often reported daily, with women more often targeted with threats of sexual violence. Federal MPs say balancing security with community access is difficult. Labor minister Catherine King said attacks had been expected for years.
Parliament will pause its usual business on Monday to pay tribute to independent MP Helen Haines. She was struck twice by a four-wheel drive outside her Wangaratta office last Monday and has had both legs amputated. Her condition is now described as serious but stable at Melbourne's Alfred hospital. Victoria Police have charged 43-year-old Brendan Nugent with dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury and causing harm to a commonwealth public official. Police say the charges may change as investigators examine a motive. Mr Nugent was remanded in custody after appearing in court on Wednesday.
Australia's federal police commissioner has linked heated political rhetoric directly to threats and abuse aimed at politicians. Independent MP Helen Haines was allegedly run down by a four-wheel-drive outside her Wangaratta electoral office on Monday, and both her legs were amputated. She remains in a serious but stable condition in Melbourne. Commissioner Krissy Barrett said the daily threat reports are often pages long and that women MPs are more often targeted with threats of sexual violence. Federal MPs say they are weighing personal security against contact with voters.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will lead tributes to Independent MP Helen Haines when Federal Parliament returns on Monday, a week after an alleged attack on her in Wangaratta. Police allege Brendan Nugent, 43, rammed her with a Toyota LandCruiser before bystanders pulled him from the driver's seat. Haines is in a serious but stable condition after surgeries in Melbourne, and her husband says both legs were amputated. A fundraiser in her name for Save the Children has passed $1.1 million. Politicians have called for more care in public language, while police say the motive remains under investigation.
Retired dentist Peter Lynch has designed a $4 plastic basket that lets pickers pack mulberries directly into punnets. His Sunshine Coast hinterland farm, Kureelpa Mulberry Company, says the change has cut fruit damage by 80 per cent and reduced labour costs. The farm's four-week harvest depends on daily pickers, and the couple is concerned that cuts to working holiday visa numbers could make hiring difficult. Two French working holiday makers on the farm said a second year in Australia is uncertain.
Nebo residents face a planned water supply outage from 9.30am to 12.30pm on Thursday, 29 October 2026, while the council carries out repairs at the Emergency Services Building. About 11 properties on St Lawrence and Kemmis Streets will be affected. Once supply returns, some households may notice discoloured water. Residents in that situation are advised to flush their taps and avoid using washing machines until the water runs clear. Flushing water can be reused on gardens or lawns.
Mining companies in Queensland's North West Minerals Province are struggling to find workers as drilling ramps up and new jobs open. AIC Mines chairman Aaron Colleran said hiring has been difficult everywhere, including at its Eloise copper mine near Cloncurry. The Australian Resources and Energy Employer Association estimates the industry will need 24,000 new workers across the country by 2027. Queensland Resources Council figures point to competing skill needs and fewer young people entering trades and mining careers. Industry leaders say apprenticeships must grow to ease the shortage.
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Entries for the 2026 Spring in the Mary Photo Competition close this weekend, on October 31. The Mary River Catchment Coordinating Committee is inviting photographers of all ages and skill levels to share spring images from across the region. Six award categories share $2,500 in prizes, including a Junior category for entrants aged 16 and under. Entrants may submit up to three original photographs taken within the Mary River catchment, using a camera or smartphone. Images, a short caption and an entry form are to be emailed to the committee.
Tamborine Mountain U3A is bringing mature residents and retirees together through a wide range of classes and events. The group has run on the mountain since 2007. Members can take part in activities including ballet, card games, pickleball, language classes and novel discussions. Branch Secretary Bev Kirk says the group helps prevent loneliness and keeps members engaged. The U3A also runs events at local businesses, including a Great Gatsby Murder Mystery Night on October 23 at the Fox and Hounds.
Trilogy Accounting, a local accounting firm, is celebrating 15 years in business. Directors Samantha Newsham and Noela Lee say their active community involvement, including helping found the Canungra Chamber, has helped the business grow. Noela said the firm values the long-term trust built with clients. The early years were difficult, with some days passing without payment, but the team has continued to support local residents and businesses with their finances. Samantha said many startups seek advice before making decisions.
Tom Offermann agents sold two of three properties offered at auction on the weekend, despite heavy rain across South East Queensland. Erica Newton sold a Noosaville penthouse to a local buyer. The week before, she sold a Sunrise Beach house, the legacy of Kenneth and Wendy Heinze, for $3.6m, with proceeds going to four charities. The Real Estate Institute of Queensland says 48 of 50 tracked regions were in the tight rental range of 0 to 2.5 percent in the September quarter.
Brisbane and the Gold Coast are on track for their wettest October in six years. Brisbane has recorded about 170 millimetres this month, roughly double its October average of 87 millimetres. Flash floods hit Caboolture and Morayfield, where more than 400 millimetres fell over the past week. The Sunshine Coast is likely to break its October record, with 369 millimetres already recorded at its airport. The Bureau of Meteorology says Brisbane is not expecting heavy falls, apart from possible showers.
Little blue penguins at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast are exploring a new Halloween habitat with pumpkins, tombstones and other surprises. The aquarium says the enrichment encourages the penguins' natural curiosity. On Saturday, October 31, the aquarium will host a Halloween Beach Clean-Up at Mooloolaba Beach from 9am to noon. Children are encouraged to collect rubbish instead of lollies, and free face painting will be offered. Marine animals can mistake rubbish for food or become tangled in it.
The Raiders have withdrawn their four-year, $4.4 million contract offer to Hudson Young. The PNG Chiefs have offered him a tax-free deal of $900,000 a season, which is financially better. The Chiefs said they could not fit him under their salary cap at the $1.1 million a season figure set by the NRL. The Raiders had wanted to sign Young long term and felt they had to act before the November 1 deadline, when players with expiring contracts can negotiate with rival clubs.
City of Moreton Bay and the Brisbane Bullets are calling on residents to nominate people who make a difference in local sport. The Community Hero initiative recognises coaches, volunteers and everyday champions who go above and beyond. Two finalists will each receive four game tickets and a half-time shout-out. The major winner will receive a courtside box experience for four, food and drinks, a signed jersey and an on-court thank you. Nominations close at 11:59pm on Sunday 22 November.
Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour has paid tribute to former councillor James Hansen, who has died. Hansen served one term on the former Woocoo Shire Council from 2004 to 2008 and three terms on Fraser Coast Regional Council from 2012 to 2024. Seymour described Hansen as one of the region's last dairy farmers and a passionate advocate for primary producers. He said Hansen always stood up for his beliefs. Seymour said his thoughts are with Hansen's family and friends after what he called a sudden and tragic loss.
