WANGARATTA: A rural Australian town felt a mix of horror and disbelief on Tuesday after a highly respected lawmaker was gravely injured in what looked to be a targeted attack.
Former nurse and midwife Helen Haines entered parliament in 2019, earning respect across the political divide for her efforts to stamp out corruption and bolster transparency.
The 65-year-old was struck by a two-tonne SUV in Wangaratta on Monday afternoon, suffering critical injuries in what authorities described as a "deliberate" act of violence.
Wangaratta mayor Irene Grant said a sombre mood had settled over the town of about 30,000 people, a regional hub about 250km (155 miles) northeast of state capital Melbourne.
"Helen was well respected. She was diligent and hard working," Grant told AFP.
"What has happened to Helen has caused the community to step back in utter disbelief. We can't believe it, people are horrified by what has happened."
Haines - who lives on a small cattle property outside Wangaratta - was getting something from the trunk of her car when her alleged attacker drove past in a Toyota Land Cruiser.
Authorities said the 43-year-old man turned the car around before veering at Haines and pinning her against her own vehicle.
The driver then allegedly reversed before ramming her again, home affairs minister Tony Burke said.
'Devastated'
Police have said little about the alleged attacker's motive.
Locals, meanwhile, are struggling to comprehend why anyone would wish harm on the well-liked Haines.
Florist Jess Woodrow said Haines was a friendly face who would pop into the store when she was not tied up in the capital Canberra.
"We are absolutely devastated to hear what has happened. Helen was a beautiful person. She didn't have a bad bone in her body," Woodrow told AFP.
"It's the last thing you would think would happen here."
Haines entered parliament as an independent lawmaker in 2019, representing the sprawling seat of Indi.
She was a popular representative, holding the seat at the 2025 election with a hefty margin of more than 18,000 votes.
Haines was a vocal champion for greater climate action, better rural healthcare, and help for struggling small businesses.
The First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria said Haines was a "staunch supporter" of Indigenous rights as well.
But it was her work to hold politicians to account that perhaps earned Haines the most respect both inside and outside parliament.
"Helen Haines is characterised by her kindness, her compassion, her diligence, her intelligence," Prime minister Anthony Albanese said.
"She's someone who is such a strong advocate and is widely respected right across the political spectrum because the way that she advocates is very respectful."