Independent federal MP Helen Haines remains in a critical condition after being struck by a car in what is believed to have been a targeted attack outside her electorate office on Monday afternoon. Counter-terrorism authorities are now investigating.
The 65-year-old mother of three was taken to hospital with critical injuries after she was hit by a white 1997 Toyota LandCruiser at about 3.30pm in Wangaratta, northern Victoria.
Haines had stopped her car in a parking bay on Murphy Street and was collecting belongings from the boot before a remote television interview when she was struck. Witnesses said the driver made a U-turn and appeared to deliberately steer towards her.
She was pinned beneath the four-wheel-drive and suffered severe lower-body injuries. After initially receiving treatment at a local hospital, she was airlifted about 250km south-east to Melbourne, amid fears she could lose one of her legs.
A local barber who witnessed the incident rushed to help, pulled the driver from the vehicle and restrained him in a citizen’s arrest. A knife was allegedly recovered from the car.
Police said a 43-year-old man from Tarrawingee, just outside Wangaratta, was arrested at the scene and later questioned. No charges had been laid by late Monday night.
The Victorian High Country area is about half an hour from Porepunkah, where local man Dezi Freeman shot dead two police officers in August last year before evading authorities for months.
There has been no confirmation of a motive for Monday’s incident. However, the region is known to attract people pursuing off-the-grid and “sovereign citizen” lifestyles.
MP Helen Haines is fighting for her life in hospital after being struck by a car in a targeted attack
A white 1997 Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series Troop Carrier is believed to have been used in the attack
Wangaratta is close to Porepunkah, where Dezi Freeman shot two police officers in August last year
Freeman had criticised what he regarded as police corruption before shooting the officers, who were attempting to serve him with a warrant. He fled into the region and remained on the run for 216 days before being killed in a shootout.
A visibly shaken Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told reporters shortly after 7pm on Monday that counter-terrorism units and ASIO were investigating the attack, while stressing that the motive remained unknown.
Speaking later to the ABC’s 7.30, Albanese said: “This wasn’t an accident. There was a deliberate act, it would appear.”
“We certainly hope for good news about Helen’s condition over the next 24 hours,” he added.
The arrested man has reportedly been “on the radar” of authorities.
Acting Victoria Police Superintendent Ashley Mason confirmed Haines had sustained critical lower-body injuries, but said police believed there was no ongoing threat to the community.
Messages of support for Haines came from across the political spectrum, including Greens leader David Shoebridge, One Nation leader Pauline Hanson, Victorian Premier Ben Carroll and state Liberal leader Jess Wilson.
Hanson condemned the incident on social media, writing that there should be no violence against any elected representative, “whoever they are and whatever they stand for”.
A visibly shaken Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke address the media on Monday night after the attack
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Pauline Hanson offered her support to Haines in the wake of the alleged attack
‘I am horrified and saddened that Helen Haines has been seriously injured in an attack outside her electorate office in Wangaratta today,’ Hanson wrote.
‘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.’
Federal Opposition Leader Angus Taylor said he was praying for Haines
The Prime Minister reiterated his earlier calls to ‘turn the temperature down’ in political discourse, but said he wasn’t aware of any threats made toward Haines in the lead-up to the incident.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said that in 2024 there had been 951 reports of harassing and threatening behaviour against politicians, but that this number rose to 1,067 in the last year.
‘Our thoughts are all with Helen, her family, her community and her friends,’ he said.
Fellow independent MP Allegra Spender said there had been a growing fear of ‘some sort of violent incident’ against politicians in Australia due to the widening political divide in the country.
‘We’ve seen an increase in violent language. Also some of the actions, jostling and other kinds of actions against politicians,’ she said.
Dezi Freeman was shot by armed police in Victoria’s High Country during a standoff after 216 days on the run
Allegra Spender said there was a growing sense of anxiety that politicians would be the target of violence
Haines pictured with her husband Phil at the 2024 Midwinter Ball at Parliament House
Opposition leader Angus Taylor said he was praying for Haines
‘Many people have feared there would be some sort of violent incident against Australian politicians and this is of huge concern because we take pride in the fact that in Australia, politicians are just like everyone else.
‘You treat them just like anybody else, but they (the interactions) have got to be acceptable and that’s really important.’
Haines’ family released a statement in the wake of the incident, thanking first responders for their swift actions and asking for privacy amid the ongoing investigation.
‘This afternoon, our beloved Helen was involved in an incident outside her Wangaratta Electorate Office, and is receiving medical care,’ the statement reads.
‘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.’