Federal MP for Indi Helen Haines is in a critical condition after being hit by a white LandCruiser outside her Wangaratta electoral office in regional Victoria.
A suspect has been taken into custody, and the individual has no known links to Ms Haines, News24.com.au understands.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the incident at an emergency press conference held on Monday night.
“This afternoon, Helen Haines, the Member for Indi, was attacked outside her electorate office in Wangaratta,” he said.
“We are praying for her full recovery,” Mr Albanese said alongside Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke.
“There is a major police investigation underway and I can confirm that a suspect is in custody.”
Mr Albanese confirmed the AFP, Victoria Police and ASIO were working in concert on the investigation.
The joint counter-terrorism team has been activated, but a motive is not yet known.
Asked whether the incident was a “targeted attack” said that appeared to be the case.
“This wasn’t an accident. This was a deliberate act, it would appear. We don’t know what the motivation is,” Mr Albanese told ABC’s 7.30.
Victoria Police told News24.com.au a white Toyota LandCruiser struck Ms Haines outside her office on Murphy Street about 3.35pm.
A 43-year-old Tarrawingee man was arrested at the scene by a passerby.
He will be interviewed in relation to the incident.
Ms Haines’ injuries have been described as “critical”.
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.
Victoria Police said at this stage there was nothing to indicate that the 43-year-old and Ms Haines were known to each other.
The investigation remains ongoing.
The family of Ms Haines has issued a statement, thanking first responders, and asking people to keep Ms Haines in her thoughts.
“This afternoon, our beloved Helen was involved in an incident outside her Wangaratta Electorate Office, and is receiving medical care,” the family said.
“We thank the swift assistance of bystanders and the dedicated health workers who assisted her, and police for their response.
“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.”
Mr Albanese said Ms Haines was “incredibly hard working” and a “thoroughly decent human being” who was respected across parliament.
“She’s someone who treats everyone with respect, and she’s someone who is a beacon of light for that community there in Northern Victoria,” he said.
“She is a well-loved member of her community and this will come as an incredible shock to that community.”
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said there had been 1,067 reports of harassing and threatening behaviour targeting high office holders over the past financial year, up from 951 the year prior.
But Mr Albanese said he wasn’t personally aware of any threats towards Ms Haines.
Emergency services were called to Murphy Street a short time before 4pm on Monday.
According to reports, the mother of three was retrieving items from her boot when she was struck by the LandCruiser.
It is understood Ms Haines has “severe” lower body injuries.
A local barber ran out to assist Ms Haines and dragged the male driver from the car.
The barber told 7News a search of that man found a flick knife.
The driver was detained until police arrived.
Asked about the news live on News24, Victorian Opposition Leader Jess Wilson said her thoughts are with Ms Haines’ family.
“This sounds like an absolutely shocking incident,” Ms Wilson said.
“I can’t imagine the fear and the trauma her family is going through right now.”
Victorian Premier Ben Carroll said he was “deeply appalled by this violent attack on Helen Haines”.
“My thoughts – and the thoughts of all Victorians – are with Helen, her family, her friends, her colleagues and her community,” Mr Carroll said in a statement.
“I know how devastating this will be for the Wangaratta community and all those who Helen represents.”
“Thank you to police, paramedics, firefighters and witnesses for their immediate response.”
Prime Minister Albanese said the incident was a worrying sign about the state of Australia’s political discourse.
“There has been a rise in temperature… I’ve expressed that concern very publicly, and I’ve expressed that concern to people in the media,” Mr Albanese said.
“There’s no question that social media is a part of that… If you look at anyone’s social media feeds and look at the comments, people will say things that they would never say face to face.
“But so is the contest for clicks, the fact that things need to be reduced down to dramatic all caps, if you like, rather than any nuance.
“There has been too much shouting, not enough discourse, not enough polite conversation and disagreement.
“And in a democracy, we should be able to have discussion, political debate – put different views, but do it in a way that is respectful.”
Federal Opposition Leader Angus Taylor was also among the flood of MPs expressing their shock and sending tributes and well-wishes to Ms Haines.
“I am deeply saddened and distressed by the news out of Wangaratta tonight involving Dr Helen Haines MP,” he said.
“This is a shocking day for our nation. No one should be targeted in this way,” Mr Taylor said.
“Australians will be angry and appalled by the attack on Helen outside her electorate office in Wangaratta. Our nation cannot become a place where violent attacks are normalised.
“I’ve spoken with the Prime Minister, and we are united in our view that political violence must never be accepted as part of public life.
Mr Taylor said he was “praying for Helen and thinking of her family and loved ones.”
“I hope Helen, her family and her community across north-east Victoria know that Australians right across the country are thinking of them and holding them in their thoughts during this incredibly difficult time,” he said.
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