Australia’s political community has been shaken after independent MP Helen Haines was deliberately hit by a car outside her office in Wangaratta, leaving her in a critical condition, according to police and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Victoria Police said a 43-year-old man was arrested following the attack in Wangaratta, a town about 200km northwest of Melbourne.
Ms Haines, 65, was airlifted to hospital, Mr Albanese said.
“All of our thoughts are with Helen, her family, her friends, her team, and her community at this extremely difficult time. We are praying for her full recovery,” he told a press conference.
Victoria Police Acting Superintendent Ashley Mason told a press conference there was no further threat to the public.
Mr Albanese said investigators were still working to establish why the incident occurred, adding it was too early to determine a motive, although a terrorism taskforce would be investigating the arrested suspect.
“Helen Haines is incredibly hardworking. She is fiercely intelligent, but most importantly, she’s just a thoroughly decent human being,” Mr Albanese said.
“We thank the swift assistance of bystanders and the dedicated health workers who assisted her, and police for their response,” a statement by Haines’ family posted on her Facebook page said.
