Ricky Jefferies, a barber based in Wangaratta, Victoria, has received national attention after rushing to aid independent MP Helen Haines following an incident where she was allegedly struck by a vehicle. The event, which occurred near Haines’ electorate office, has been described by authorities as a deliberate attack. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese publicly commended Jefferies for his intervention, labeling him a hero for his immediate response to the emergency.

Despite the high-profile recognition, Jefferies has expressed discomfort with the title. Speaking to a large media contingent gathered outside his shop on Tuesday, Jefferies insisted he was simply acting on instinct and felt he had no choice but to intervene. He described the moments leading up to the incident, noting he had been working in his shop—located adjacent to the MP's office—when the situation unfolded. Jefferies has repeatedly asked the public and the media to refrain from characterizing his actions as heroic, framing his involvement as a necessary response to a crisis rather than a deliberate act of bravery.