Federal independent MP Helen Haines is recovering in a Melbourne hospital after suffering severe injuries, including the loss of a leg, following an alleged deliberate vehicle attack outside her electorate office in regional Victoria.
Following the incident, Haines was airlifted to Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital, where she underwent emergency surgery overnight. A 43-year-old man from Tarrawingee has been taken into custody.
The investigation is currently being led by Victoria Police alongside a joint counter-terrorism taskforce, the Australian Federal Police, and Asio. Police have noted that there is no indication the parties were known to each other and assured the public that the event is being treated as an isolated incident with no ongoing threat to the community.
Politicians from across the political spectrum have expressed shock and condemnation, praising Haines as a widely respected parliamentarian while offering support to her family, staff, and the local Indi community.