An Australian MP is in a critical condition in hospital after being struck by a car outside her electoral office, with the country’s prime minister confirming she was ‘attacked’.
Helen Haines, an independent official in the state of Victoria in southeastern Australia, was reportedly hit by a white Toyota Land Cruiser in Wangaratta at around 3.30pm local time today as she retrieved belongings from the boot of her vehicle.
Australian PM Anthony Albanese said that a 43-year-old man had been arrested in connection with the incident and that the country’s counter-terror and security services were conducting investigations.
He told ABC: ‘This wasn’t an accident. There was a deliberate act, it would appear.
‘We certainly hope for good news about Helen’s condition over the next 24 hours.’
Reports suggest that the driver passed Ms Haines before performing a U-turn and crashing into her, pinning her under the car.
Helen Haines was reportedly hit by a white Toyota Land Cruiser in Wangaratta at around 3.30pm local time today as she retrieved belongings from the boot of her vehicle
Emergency services outside the office of Helen Haines
Victoria Police said in a statement that a knife was seized from the vehicle and that the arrested man would be interviewed later today.
The force is now investigating whether the attack was intentional and added that it is not yet known whether the parties involved knew each other.
Ms Haines, a 65-year-old mother of three, was taken to hospital with ‘severe’ lower body injuries.
She was elected as an MP in 2019 and previously worked in healthcare before turning to politics.
Addressing the Australian media following the incident Mr Albanese said: ‘There is a major police investigation underway, and I can confirm that a suspect is in custody.
‘The Australian Federal Police, Victoria Police and ASIO are working together on this. The Joint Counter Terrorism Team has been activated, but the motive is not known.’
Australian PM Anthony Albanese said that a 43-year-old man had been arrested in connection with the incident
Ms Haines, a 65-year-old mother of three, was taken to hospital with ‘severe’ lower body injuries
The PM added that he had spoken with Victoria’s state leader Ben Carroll but that it was ‘too early’ to provide more details.
Mr Albanese said Ms Haines was ‘fiercely intelligent, but most importantly… a thoroughly decent human being, full of integrity and respected right across the Parliament and by everyone who comes into contact with her’.
The MP’s family praised the ‘swift assistance’ of bystanders, police and medical workers in a statement following the incident.
They added: ‘Our family and Helen’s staff will be making no further comment at this time and ask that their privacy be respected by the public and the media.’
