Australian MP Helen Haines Critically Injured After Being Struck by Vehicle
Independent federal member Helen Haines sustained severe lower body injuries after being hit by a car outside her office in Wangaratta.
Independent MP Helen Haines is in critical condition after being struck by a vehicle outside her electorate office in Wangaratta, Victoria, on Monday afternoon. The federal member for the seat of Indi was reportedly unloading items from a car when she was hit by a white Toyota Landcruiser.
According to reports, Haines sustained severe lower body injuries. A 43-year-old man from Tarrawingee was arrested at the scene and is expected to be interviewed by police. A knife was recovered from the Toyota. Victoria Police stated that detectives from the Major Collison Investigation Unit are en route and that investigators are examining whether the incident was intentional. It is not yet known if the arrested man and the MP knew each other.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the incident as an "attack" and confirmed that a major police investigation is underway, involving the Australian Federal Police, Victoria Police, and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation. The Joint Counter-Terrorism Team has also been activated. Albanese stated it was "too early" to determine a motive but expressed shock, noting Haines is "a well-loved member of her community."
"All of our thoughts are with Helen, her family, her friends, her team, and her community, at this extremely difficult time," Albanese said. "We are praying for her full recovery. I want to thank the first responders for their extraordinary work."
Haines, 65, was elected to federal parliament in 2019 and re-elected in 2022. She has represented the seat of Indi for nearly 40 years, stating that northeast Victoria has been her home for that duration. Her professional background includes work as a nurse, midwife, and health researcher.
Haines' family released a statement confirming she is receiving medical care and thanked bystanders and health workers for their assistance, as well as the police response. They requested privacy during this time and asked the public and media to respect it.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke noted that reports of harassing and threatening behavior against high-office holders have increased, from 951 the year before last to 1067.
On Sunday, Haines posted on social media about presenting Australian flags to local schools, emphasizing their significance as symbols of national identity, history, and values.