Australian MP Helen Haines critically injured in ‘deliberate’ car ramming
Story By Staff Reporter
Australian independent lawmaker Helen Haines is in critical condition after a car struck her outside her office in Wangaratta. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the incident an attack.
“This wasn’t an accident. There was a deliberate act,” Albanese said on Monday. “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.”
What police say happened
A Toyota Land Cruiser SUV hit Haines outside her office in Wangaratta, some 200km (124 miles) northwest of Melbourne. Ashley Mason, Victoria police’s acting superintendent, said the 65-year-old “suffered what has been described as critical injuries”. In line with police custom in Australia, he did not identify the victim.
Mason added that civilians apprehended the 43-year-old male driver and handed him over to police. Officers then found a knife in his car. Albanese said the alleged attacker’s motive remains unknown. Meanwhile, Australia’s counterterrorism squad is also involved.
Rising threats against politicians
The attack comes after federal police documented a steady rise in threats and abuse towards the nation’s politicians in recent years. Historically, politicians have been highly accessible to the public. As a result, they usually go about their business without security.
Albanese said on Monday that “the temperature has increased in recent times”.
“I’ve expressed that concern to people in the media,” he said. “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.”
‘Thoroughly decent human being’
Albanese praised Haines, whom he described as “incredibly hardworking”.
“She is fiercely intelligent but, most importantly, she’s just a thoroughly decent human being,” he said.
Her family issued a statement but said it would offer no further comment. Instead, they asked the public and the media to respect their privacy.
“This afternoon, our beloved Helen was involved in an incident outside her Wangaratta Electorate Office, and is receiving medical care,” it said.
“We thank the swift assistance of bystanders and the dedicated health workers who assisted her, and police for their response.”
Who is Helen Haines?
Haines entered parliament in 2019 after working as a nurse and midwife. Since then, she has become known for stances such as supporting stronger climate action. In addition, many people have praised her efforts to increase transparency in politics and crack down on corruption.
