Labor fundraiser sombre gathering after attack

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, October 20, 2026

A fundraising dinner for the Australian Labor Party in Sydney proceeded with a subdued atmosphere after independent MP Helen Haines was targeted in a car attack earlier that day, leading Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to cancel his attendance for security briefings. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of public officials and prompted increased security measures, but Labor leaders affirmed their determination to continue their campaign efforts ahead of the upcoming election.

A fundraising dinner for the Australian Labor Party held on Monday night in Sydney’s central business district took on a subdued tone following a car attack on independent MP Helen Haines in her Victorian electorate earlier that day. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who was scheduled to host the event at the Sofitel Wentworth, withdrew from attending to remain available for briefings with the Australian Federal Police and other security agencies.

At a press conference near the venue, Albanese expressed concern for Haines, stating that his thoughts were with her during this difficult time. The planned fundraising dinner, which charged attendees between $2,000 and $2,500 per ticket, was already underway when news of the incident broke. In response, organizers curtailed parts of the program, including the cancellation of a raffle.

Despite the somber atmosphere, a high-profile group of Labor politicians were present, including Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles, Health Minister Mark Butler, Trade Minister Don Farrell, Education Minister Jason Clare, and several others from the Albanese ministry. The event was part of a series of fundraising dinners hosted by the Federal Labor Business Forum designed to bolster the party’s campaign funds ahead of the upcoming election season.

Marles addressed the gathering, describing Haines as “one of the most decent people in the parliament” and reflecting on the historic civility that has traditionally defined Australian politics. He acknowledged the shock caused by the attack, emphasizing the rarity of such violence in the country and the impact it had on politicians and guests alike.

Preparations for the dinner had included guests submitting requests for specific ministers as their “VIP Hosts,” ensuring a broad representation of senior Labor figures across the approximately 300 attendees. Notable guests included business figures and former politicians from various parties, highlighting the event’s role as a key networking occasion as well as a fundraiser.

The incident involving Haines has prompted increased security briefings and underscored concerns about the safety of public officials. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack. Meanwhile, the Labor Party has signaled its commitment to maintaining a united front and continuing its campaign efforts despite the disruption.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.