Australian lawmaker Helen Haines critically hurt after car hits her outside office
The independent MP was struck in Wangaratta. Prime Minister Albanese called it a deliberate act, and counterterrorism police are investigating.
Independent Australian federal lawmaker Helen Haines was struck by an SUV outside her electorate office in Wangaratta, just over 200 kilometers (125 miles) from Melbourne, on Monday. Victoria Police said the 65-year-old suffered critical injuries.
Bystanders detained the 43-year-old driver and handed him to police, who found a knife in his car. The motive is unknown, and the counterterrorism squad has been activated. "This wasn't an accident. There was a deliberate act," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told ABC, calling Haines "a thoroughly decent human being."
Haines, a former nurse and midwife, entered Parliament in 2019 and is known for pushing stronger climate action and political transparency. Her family thanked bystanders, health workers and police and asked for privacy. The Australian Federal Police have recorded a steady rise in threats against politicians.