Politics
Australian MP Helen Haines hurt after vehicle incident near Wangaratta office
Independent lawmaker Helen Haines was seriously injured when a vehicle struck her near her electorate office in Victoria on Monday. Police have a 43-year-old man in custody, and a national counter-terrorism team has been activated as investigators examine whether the attack was deliberate.
CANBERRA — Independent Australian MP Helen Haines was seriously injured Monday afternoon after being struck by a vehicle near her electorate office in Wangaratta, Victoria, according to authorities. A 43-year-old man from Tarrawingee, within Haines’ electorate, is in custody.
The vehicle, a Toyota Landcruiser, struck Haines near the office. Bystanders restrained the driver until police arrived, and officers seized a knife from the vehicle, the report said.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said authorities believe the incident was deliberate, but its motive remains unknown. Australia’s joint counter-terrorism team has been activated.
“Helen Haines is incredibly hardworking,” Albanese told reporters in Sydney.
Haines has represented the regional seat of Indi since 2019. The investigation comes as authorities work to establish what led to the attack; no motive has been publicly identified.