Independent MP Helen Haines critically injured in alleged attack in Wangaratta

Independent MP Helen Haines is in critical condition after being struck by a vehicle outside her electorate office in Wangaratta, regional Victoria. A 43-year-old man from Tarrawingee is in custody, and the alleged attack is being investigated by the Australian federal police (AFP), Asio and the joint counter-terror taskforce. The motive is not yet known. A knife was allegedly found in his car after he was detained by a passerby when he exited his vehicle.

Well-wishes towards Haines have flowed in from across the political spectrum. The prime minister held a snap press conference on Monday evening where he described Haines, who has represented Indi since 2019, as a “thoroughly decent human being, full of integrity. Her statement reads: “My thoughts are with Helen, her family, friends and staff at this incredibly difficult time. I know Victorians everywhere will be hoping for her recovery. I want to thank the bystanders who rushed to help, along with Victoria Police, paramedics and the medical professionals caring for Helen. The circumstances of this [alleged] attack are deeply concerning, and it is important that police are given every opportunity to establish exactly what happened. Violence of this kind has no place in our state.