Australian MP Helen Haines critically injured after being hit by car

Independent MP Helen Haines was struck by a white Toyota LandCruiser outside her electorate office on Murphy Street in Wangaratta, Victoria, at about 3.35pm on Monday, according to Victoria Police. She was taken to hospital with critical injuries. Haines has represented the federal seat of Indi since 2019. [1] [2]

Police said a 43-year-old man from Tarrawingee was driving the vehicle. A passer-by detained him after he got out, and officers seized a knife from inside the LandCruiser. Police said he would be interviewed. [1]

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the collision appeared deliberate, but added that its motivation was unknown. He said a joint counter-terrorism team had been activated. That involvement does not establish a terrorist motive: Victoria Police said it was still investigating whether the collision was intentional and did not yet know whether Haines and the driver knew each other. [1] [2] [4]

Haines was later flown to Melbourne. The ABC reported a statement from the Alfred hospital saying she remained in a critical condition late on Monday. Her family thanked those who helped her and asked for privacy. [2]