Quick Info
| Profession | Politician; former nurse, midwife and health researcher |
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| Nationality | Australian |
| Date of Birth | 21/09/1961 |
| Age | 65 years |
| Birthplace | Colac, Victoria, Australia |
| Birth Name | Helen Mary Carew |
| Zodiac Sign | Virgo |
Latest News about Helen Haines
19/10/2026
Independent MP Helen Haines was seriously injured when a vehicle struck her outside her electorate office on Murphy Street in Wangaratta, Victoria, on the afternoon of 19 October 2026. Police arrested a 43-year-old man, and counter-terrorism police are investigating the incident. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the incident appeared deliberate, and her family released a statement saying she was receiving medical care.
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Bio/Wiki
| Summary | Helen Mary Haines is an Australian politician who has served as the independent Member of the House of Representatives for the Victorian seat of Indi since the 2019 federal election. She was re-elected in 2022 and 2025. Before entering politics she worked for more than 30 years as a nurse, midwife and rural health researcher. |
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Educational Qualification(s)
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Personal Life
| Residence | Small cattle farm outside Wangaratta, Victoria |
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| Details | Grew up on a dairy farm near Colac with four brothers; met her husband in north-east Victoria. |
Relationships & More
| Political predecessor | Cathy McGowan, independent MP for Indi (2013-2019) |
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| Political background | Elected as part of the Voices 4 Indi community independent movement |
Family
| Spouse | Phil Haines, an agricultural scientist |
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| Children | Three adult children |
| Siblings | Four brothers |
Career
| Early nursing | Became matron of the Chiltern Bush Nursing Hospital at age 26 |
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| Midwifery | Later led midwifery services at Wangaratta Hospital |
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Some Lesser Known Facts
| 1. She became the first independent federal parliamentarian to succeed another independent in the same electorate since Federation in 1901. | |
| 2. She is credited with playing a key role in the establishment of Australia's federal integrity commission. | |
| 3. She helped build one of Australia's longest-running rural midwifery programs. |
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