Arabic version: هيلين هاينز في حالة حرجة بعد حادث مركبة في وانغاراتا

According to ABC News, independent Indi MP Helen Haines was critically injured after being struck by a Toyota LandCruiser outside her electorate office in Wangaratta, in Victoria’s north-east, on Monday afternoon. Emergency services were called to the Murphy Street office at about 3:35pm.

Ms Haines was taken to hospital and later transferred to the Alfred hospital in Melbourne, where she remained in a critical condition. The hospital said there would be no further updates on her condition that night.

Investigators said a 43-year-old man from Tarrawingee was driving the LandCruiser that struck Ms Haines. After leaving the vehicle, the man was subdued and arrested by passersby at the scene. Police were continuing to investigate whether the collision was intentional and whether the man and Ms Haines were known to each other.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said counter-terrorism police were investigating after Ms Haines was “attacked” near her electorate office. He said the Australian Federal Police, ASIO and joint counter-terrorism teams were involved in the investigation.

Political figures expressed concern and sympathy following the incident. Euroa MP Annabelle Cleeland said it was a reminder of the need to “turn down the heat” in political debate, while Ovens Valley MP Tim McCurdy said Wangaratta residents would be feeling the impact of what occurred. Ms Haines, 65, was elected in 2019 and has a background in nursing, midwifery and health research.