Independent MP Helen Haines is in critical condition after being struck by a car outside her electorate office in Wangaratta, northwest of Melbourne in Australia, according to police and local media reports.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told ABC on Monday that the incident was not an accident. "This was a deliberate act," he said, while expressing concern for the MP and her family. "All our thoughts are with Helen, her family, her friends, her team and her community at this incredibly difficult time. We are hoping for her full recovery."
Victoria Police said a Toyota Land Cruiser SUV struck Haines outside her office, about 200km northwest of Melbourne. Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Ashley Mason said the 65-year-old victim's injuries were described as "critical" but did not name her, in line with Australian police practice.
According to Mason, members of the public at the scene restrained a 43-year-old male driver and handed him over to police, who later found a knife in his vehicle.
The incident comes amid a steady rise in threats and abusive behaviour targeting politicians recorded by the Australian Federal Police in recent years. Australian MPs are known for being highly accessible to the public and often work without security staff.
Albanese said "the temperature has risen recently" and voiced concern about the issue in the media. "If you look at any social media page and read the comments, people will say things they would never say face to face," he said.
Albanese said the suspect's motive has not been established and that Australia's counter-terrorism team had been activated.
'A thoroughly decent human being'
Albanese praised Haines as "extremely hardworking", "incredibly smart" and "most importantly, she is just a thoroughly decent human being".
Haines's family issued a statement but said they would not comment further and asked the public and media to respect their privacy. The statement said: "This afternoon, our beloved Helen was involved in an incident outside her Wangaratta electorate office and is receiving medical care. We thank those nearby for their quick assistance, the dedicated medical staff who helped her and the police who responded."
Haines entered parliament in 2019 after working as a nurse and midwife, and is known for positions including support for stronger action on climate change. She is also widely credited for efforts to boost transparency in politics and combat corruption.
