See more of our coverage in your search results.
Independent MP Helen Haines is fighting for life after being struck by a vehicle outside her electorate office in northeast Victoria.
Haines, the federal member for the seat of Indi, was struck by a white Toyota Landcruiser outside her office on Murphy St in Wangaratta – more than 230km from Melbourne – about 3.35pm on Monday.
7News reports Haines was unloading items from the boot of a car in a parking bay when she was struck, and she has “severe lower body injuries”.
It is understood a man has been arrested after a local barber rushed out to help.
Haines was elected to federal parliament in 2019, replacing fellow Voices for Indi independent Cathy McGowan.
She was re-elected at the 2022 and 2025 elections.
On her website, Haines, 65, says the northeast of Victoria has been her home for almost 40 years.
“My husband and I run a small farm, our kids went to school here, and I plan to grow old here.
“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.”
In a statement, Victoria Police confirmed a Tarrawingee man, 43, has been arrested at the scene.
“He will be interviewed in relation to the incident,” a spokeswoman said.
“A knife was located by police and seized from inside the Toyota.
“At this stage, police are investigating as to whether this was an intentional act.
“It is not known yet if the parties are known to each other.
“Major Collison Investigation Unit detectives are en route.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said a major police investigation was underway, involving the Australian Federal Police, Victoria Police and Australian Security Intelligence Organisation.
The Joint Counter-Terrorism Team has also been activated.
He said it was “too early” to suspect any motive behind the incident, which he described as an “attack”.
“(Helen) is a well-loved member of her community and this will come as an incredible shock to her community”, 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. I want to thank the first responders for their extraordinary work.”
Albanese said Haines was thoroughly respected across parliament and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the investigation was still in its early stages.
“The year before last, we had 951 reports of harassing and threatening behaviour against various high-office holders. That… has gone to 1067,” he said.
In a statement, Haines’ family said the MP was receiving medical care after the incident.
“We thank the swift assistance of bystanders and the dedicated health workers who assisted her, and police for their response,” the family said.
“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.”
On Sunday, Haines took to social media posting a picture of herself with the Australian flag.
“Our national flags are powerful symbols of who we are as Australians – our history, our values and the country we’re proud to call home,” she wrote.
“It’s been an honour to present flags to St Joseph’s Primary School in Benalla, local students undertaking Rotary exchanges, such as Lucy who is heading to Germany, and Kerribana Primary School in Baranduda.
I hope these flags inspire pride in our country and conversations about what it means to be Australian.”