Federal MP reveals attempted attack eerily similar to one that allegedly targeted Helen Haines

One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce has revealed a moment he was targeted in an eerily similar incident that allegedly left federal independent MP Helen Haines fighting for her life.

He recounted a past encounter in which a driver also conducted a U-turn on the road.

“I was just very, very lucky that day,” he told the ABC on Wednesday.

“I had personal protection unit with me, commonwealth federal police with me, and they jumped in front of the guy and put their hand on his bull bar.”

Haines was struck by an alleged driver that conducted a U-turn to hit the 65-year-old and then reversed to hit her again, causing her critical injuries that left doctors forced to amputate one of her legs.

The alleged driver, 43-year-old Tarrawingee man Brendan Nugent, briefly faced on Wednesday charged with two state offences and one federal offence.

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Nugent’s father revealed they have been friends with Haines for 20 years and an analysis of the accused’s social media showed previous contact with the MP and a history of climate and environment activism.

Monday’s incident in the regional Victorian town of Wangaratta has sent shock waves throughout Canberra, with many politicians coming out to reveal the extent of their own threats and safety concerns.

Federal independent MP Monique Ryan’s office had to contact the police over two people, one of whom made several calls, on Tuesday.

Previous threats have forced Independent Senator David Pocock to move houses multiple times due to fears for the safety of his pregnant wife and young child.

Labor Minister Tanya Plibersek told Sunrise that rape and death threats are a regular part of her job.

Her party colleague, Anne Aly, revealed she received 19 death threats in the span of a week just days before Haines was allegedly attacked on Monday.

Home Affairs data showed 1067 reports of harassing and threatening behaviour against various high office holders in the most recent financial year, up from 951 the year before.

AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett said almost one person is charged over targeting federal politicians a week.

She said there has been a growing number of online abuse, threatening rhetoric, and intimidation, political polarisation, anti-government sentiment, conspiracy-driven and grievance-based behaviours and lone actors.

“The shocking alleged attack... is what many had been dreading for some time,” she told reporters on Wednesday.

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“I hope that this terrible event, that will forever change the life of the member for Indi and her family, gives our country time to pause and reflect on the growing threats and unlawful behaviour against those who hold a Commonwealth office in Australia.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said politics has become more “aggressive” with female politicians more likely to be targeted.

“Threats of rape are unfortunately something that most women parliamentarians can tell you they have received,” he told the ABC on Wednesday.

“A Teams meeting was held yesterday of women members of our caucus who were particularly shaken by the events that have occurred with Helen.”

Security officials from the Home Affairs department, the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Security and Intelligence Organisation will provide a safety briefing to politicians on Wednesday.

Many federal politicians have, however, knocked back the suggestion of increasing personal security and cited openness with the public as a critical part of their job and democracy.