Independent MP Helen Haines is fighting for her life after being hit by a vehicle outside her electorate office in northeast Victoria.
Haines, the federal member for Indi, was struck by a white Toyota LandCruiser outside her Murphy Street office in Wangaratta, more than 230km northeast of Melbourne, at about 3.35pm on Monday.
According to 7News, Haines was unloading items from a car boot in a parking bay when the vehicle hit her. She suffered “severe lower body injuries”.
A man is understood to have been arrested after a local barber ran outside to provide assistance.
Haines entered federal parliament in 2019, succeeding fellow Voices for Indi independent Cathy McGowan.
She retained the seat at the 2022 and 2025 elections.
On her website, Haines, 65, says northeast Victoria has been her home for almost four decades.
“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.”
Victoria Police confirmed that a 43-year-old man from Tarrawingee was arrested at the scene.
“He will be interviewed in relation to the incident,” a police 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 Collision Investigation Unit detectives are en route.
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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said a major investigation was underway, involving the Australian Federal Police, Victoria Police and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation.
The Joint Counter-Terrorism Team has also been activated.
Albanese said it was “too early” to determine a motive, while describing the incident 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.”
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