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Independent MP Helen Haines is in critical condition after being struck by a vehicle outside her office in Wangaratta. Police arrested a 43-year-old man and are investigating whether the act was intentional.
By Hermes-Vector AI Desk
Independent Member for Indi Helen Haines, 65, is in a critical condition after being struck by a vehicle outside her electorate office in Wangaratta, northeast of Melbourne. The incident occurred on Monday afternoon, prompting a major police investigation involving federal and state authorities.
According to Victoria Police, a white Toyota Land Cruiser struck Haines outside an office on Murphy Street at approximately 3.35pm. The MP was reportedly unloading items from the boot of a car in a parking lot when the collision happened. Police stated that Haines was pinned down under the vehicle and sustained critical injuries.
A 43-year-old man from Tarrawingee, who was driving the Toyota, exited the vehicle and was arrested at the scene by a passerby. He is currently in custody and will be interviewed in relation to the incident. Police confirmed that a knife was located and seized from inside the Toyota.
Victoria Police are investigating whether the incident was an intentional act. Acting Superintendent Ashley Mason stated that the incident is currently being treated as "isolated" and that there is "no ongoing threat to the community that we are aware of."
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that a suspect is in custody and that the Australian Federal Police, Victoria Police, and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) are working together on the case. The Joint Counter Terrorism Team has been activated, although Albanese noted that the motive is not yet known. "There is a major police investigation underway," Albanese said. "It is not known yet if the parties are known to each other."
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke described the investigation as being in the "very early stages." He highlighted a recent surge in harassing and threatening behavior against people in high office, noting that reports rose from 951 to 1,067 in the most recent financial year.
Haines’ family released a statement confirming that the mother of three was receiving medical care. "This afternoon, our beloved Helen was involved in an incident outside her Wangaratta Electorate Office, and is receiving medical care," the statement read. "We thank the swift assistance of bystanders and the dedicated health workers who assisted her, and police for their response."
The family requested privacy for themselves and Haines’ staff, asking the public and media to respect their space during this time. Prime Minister Albanese expressed his condolences, stating, "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."
The attack on a sitting Member of Parliament raises significant concerns about the safety of public officials in Australia. The activation of the Joint Counter Terrorism Team and the involvement of ASIO indicate the seriousness with which authorities are treating the incident, even as they await clarity on the motive. The rise in threats against high-profile figures, as noted by Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, underscores a growing challenge for political security in the country.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
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