Federal MP Helen Haines fighting for life after being hit by a car outside her office – as shaken Prime Minister confirms she was ‘attacked’ and counter terror units investigating
Victorian Independent MP Helen Haines is in a critical condition in hospital after being struck by a car outside her Wangaratta electoral office on Murphy Street just after 3:30pm Monday afternoon.
A crime scene has been declared outside her office; images released of the scene show the area cordoned off with police tape.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese spoke to the media just after 7pm on Monday night when he confirmed Haines was ‘attacked’ and that counterterrorism units and ASIO are investigating.
Haines, 65, was reportedly getting belongings out of the boot of her car in a parking bay when she was hit by a white Land Rover.
Witnesses said the driver appeared to pass Haines before performing a U-turn and driving back, striking Haines with the vehicle and pinning her under the car, according to 9News.
Police are reportedly treating the incident as a suspected targeted attack with police confirming the 43-year-old male will be interviewed at Wangaratta Police Station later on Monday night.
A local barber told 7News that he pulled the driver from the car and allegedly wrestled him to the ground after finding a flick knife in his pocket.
The 65-year-old mother of three was rushed to hospital with ‘severe’ lower body injuries, Victoria Police said.
Independent member for Indi Helen Haines has been hit by a car (pictured as she spoke during an address at the National Press Club)
Emergency services outside the office of Helen Haines
Reports have since emerged she will be airlifted to Melbourne for further treatment.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed media on Monday night and confirmed that Haines had been ‘attacked’ and that a man had been arrested.
‘There is a major police investigation underway, and I can confirm that a suspect is in custody’, he said.
‘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.’
The Prime Minister confirmed that he had spoken with Victorian Premier Ben Carroll and AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw, but it was ‘too early’ in the investigation to provide more details.
Albanese added that 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.’
Haines’ family issued a statement on Monday night where they thanked the ‘swift assistance’ of bystanders, police and medical workers for responding to the incident.
‘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’, the statement said.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese seemed shaken when he spoke at a press briefing with Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke on Monday night.
Haines was first elected as the Independent Federal Member for Indi in 2019.
She worked as a health professional before making a career change and entering politics.
‘Through my work as a nurse, midwife and health researcher, I’ve cared for people in our community during some of their most important moments’, her website reads.
‘I’m not beholden to a political party and call out bad decisions, no matter who made them. I fight for you and work to get results for our community, even when the going is tough.’
More to come.
