Independent federal MP Helen Haines is fighting for her life with serious leg injures after being struck by a vehicle outside her electorate office in northeastern Victoria.
Ms Haines 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 in what Anthony Albanese described as an “attack”.
“This wasn’t an accident,” the Prime Minister told ABC’s 7.30.
Victoria Police said a Tarrawingee man, 43, was arrested at the scene after being tackled by bystanders.
According to the ABC, one witness said she “heard a loud bang and saw a woman pinned between two cars”.
The Prime Minister, who called a snap press conference with Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke to address the incident on Monday night, said a major police investigation was underway, involving the Australian Federal Police (AFP), Victoria Police and Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO).
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”, Mr Albanese said.
Later Mr Albanese told 7.30 Ms Haines was “a beacon of light” for her community and well-loved.
“This was a serious incident and her health issues are serious. Our thoughts are very much with her, with her family, her friends, her team, and indeed her community,” he said.
”There’s a reason why Helen Haines is so loved and admired because she’s someone of integrity. She’s someone who treats everyone with respect.
“And she’s someone who is a beacon of light for that community there in northern Victoria.”
Mr Albanese initially was told it was a traffic accident and he was not aware of any threats against Ms Haines.
Ms Haines, the member for the seat of Indi since 2019, sustained critical lower body injuries and there are reports she could lose both her legs as a result of the incident.
Police are investigating whether the attack was deliberate.
Ms Haines entered parliament after the retirement of fellow Voices for Indi independent Cathy McGowan.
She was re-elected at the 2022 and 2025 elections.
On her website, Ms 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.”
Man, 43, arrested at scene, knife found in car
In a statement, Victoria Police confirmed a Tarrawingee man, 43, had 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.
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.
Acting Superintendent Ashley Mason said police were still investigating whether the incident was “targeted”.
“We’ve still got a lot to work through here. As you can imagine, it’s been quite dynamic this afternoon. We’ve got quite an extensive crime scene.”
Superintendent Mason said investigators were still working to collect all available evidence to determine what had occurred.
In a statement, Ms 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, Ms 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.”
Politicians pay tribute
Opposition Leader Angus Taylor said he was praying for Dr Haines and “thinking of her family and loved ones”.
He said he was “deeply saddened and distressed” by the news.
“This is a shocking day for our nation,” Mr Taylor said.
“No one should be targeted in this way.
“Australians will be angry and appalled by the attack on Helen outside her electorate office in Wangaratta.
“Our nation cannot become a place where violent attacks are normalised.
Mr Taylor said he had spoken with the Prime Minister, confirming both were “united in our view that political violence must never be accepted as part of public life”.
“I hope Helen, her family and her community across north-east Victoria know that Australians right across the country are thinking of them and holding them in their thoughts during this incredibly difficult time,” he said.
Victoria Premier Ben Carroll said he was “deeply appalled” by the “violent attack” on Ms Haines.
“My thoughts - and the thoughts of all Victorians - are with Helen, her family, her friends, her colleagues and her community,” he said in a statement.
“I know how devastating this will be for the Wangaratta community and all those who Helen represents.
“Thank you to police, paramedics, firefighters and witnesses for their immediate response.
Victorian Opposition Leader Jess Wilson said the attack was an “absolutely shocking incident”.
Speaking in News24, Ms Wilson said she “can’t imagine the fear and the trauma her family is going through right now.”
“My thoughts are with her and her family.
“We are all people at the end of the day and my best wishes are with Helen and her family.”
Supporters flooded social media, sending Ms Haines their best wishes.
“I can’t believe this has happened. Wonderful passionate independent and works tirelessly to keep rural communities and healthcare front of mind. Wonderful midwife and advocate for women. Prayers for you Helen, wishing you strength,” Lauren Newman posted.
”We were shocked to hear this. Helen is a hard working person and a very good and respected individual,” Bronwyn Stewart wrote.
Local Simon Olsen posted: “An outstanding human being who is also be a terrific local member. Best wishes to her and her family”.
Pauline Hanson ‘horrified, saddened’ by incident
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson said she was “horrified and saddened” by the incident.
“My thoughts are with Helen, her family and her staff. I wish her a full and speedy recovery, and I know Australians everywhere are wishing the same,” Senator Hanson said.
“Police are investigating, and we should let them do their work.
“Violence against any elected representative, whoever they are and whatever they stand for, is never acceptable in Australia. Members of parliament and their staff must be able to serve their communities without fearing for their safety.
“I thank the emergency services and the members of the public who rushed to help.
Fisher MP and Former House of Representatives Speaker Andrew Wallace, Federal Member for Fisher said he had previously raised concerns about the escalating temperature of political discourse in Australia and the increasing threats and harassment directed towards elected representatives.
“We can disagree passionately, debate fiercely and hold one another to account. That is democracy. But threats, intimidation and violence have absolutely no place in Australian political life,” Mr Wallace, the deputy chair of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS), said in a statement.
“We must be able to disagree without becoming enemies.
“Whatever our political differences, we are all Australians first.”
Canberra Senator David Pocock described Dr Haines as “the very best of us” and said his love was with Dr Haines’ family and community.
“Helen represents so much of the values we share as Australians. At a moment like this we should turn to them more than ever and be sure to take care of one another,” he said.
Warringah MP Zali Steggall - also saying she was “shocked and devastated” by the reports - said Dr Haines was a “wonderful, caring, smart and wise friend”.
She called her an “amazing representative” for her community and said she was thinking of Dr Haines and her family.
More to come