Federal MP Helen Haines in critical condition after alleged attack outside electorate office, suspect in custody
Updated . First published at
The family of independent federal MP Helen Haines has issued a statement as she fights for life in hospital after being hit by a car in a suspected targeted attack outside her office in regional Victoria.
Victoria Police said a 43-year-old Tarrawingee man was in custody after he was arrested at the scene by a passerby.
LIVE UPDATES: Independent MP seriously injured outside office
Independent MP Helen Haines. Alex Ellinghausen
Police said Haines, 65, was critically injured when she was struck by a white Toyota Landcruiser on Murphy Street about 3.35pm.
She was being airlifted to Melbourne.
“This afternoon, our beloved Helen was involved in an incident outside her Wangaratta Electorate Office, and is receiving medical care,” the family said in a statement.
“We thank the swift assistance of bystanders and the dedicated health workers who assisted her, and police for their response.
“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 media.
“Please keep Helen in your thoughts.”
Independent federal MP Helen Haines, 65, has been critically hurt after being hit by a car outside her office in regional Victoria. Helen Haines
The driver left the Toyota and was arrested at the scene by a passerby. A knife was located by police and seized from inside the car.
“At this stage, police are investigating as to whether this was an intentional act,” Victoria Police said.
“It is not known yet if the parties are known to each other.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the Joint Counter-Terrorism Team was investigating.
“All of our thoughts are with Helen, her family, her friends, her team, and her community at this extremely difficult time,” he said.
“We are praying for her full recovery.”
A large area cordoned off outside the Wangaratta office of Helen Haines. 9News
MP Helen Haines was hurt outside her office in Victoria. Nine
There is a heavy police presence at the office in Wangaratta, in the state’s north-east.
Haines was first elected in the seat of Indi in 2019.
She is a former nurse and midwife who says she got into politics as she “believed politics could be done differently – more honest, more transparent, and more focused on people”.
Independent Helen Haines, centre, campaigning. Twitter
She became the first independent elected to succeed another independent, Cathy McGowan, in the federal parliament.
She lives on a cattle farm with husband Phil and has three children.
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