Australian Lawmaker Helen Haines Critically Injured in 'Deliberate' Car Attack Outside Her Office

Australian independent MP Helen Haines

Australia is reeling after independent MP Helen Haines was critically injured when a car struck her outside her electoral office in Wangaratta, regional Victoria, on Monday. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called it a deliberate act, saying the vehicle performed a U-turn before hitting the 65-year-old lawmaker. Police are treating the attack as targeted, though no motive has been established yet.

Haines, a former nurse and midwife, has represented the rural seat of Indi since 2019 and became the first independent in Australian history to succeed another independent in the same seat. In parliament she championed climate action, regional housing and helped create the country's National Anti-Corruption Commission. Colleagues across party lines described her as a decent, hardworking MP who is deeply respected in her community.

A local barber who witnessed the attack ran to her aid and helped hold the alleged driver until police arrived. Haines remains in critical condition, and her family has asked for privacy. Security around Australian politicians is now under fresh scrutiny as the country processes one of the most shocking attacks on an elected official in recent memory.

Source: Reuters

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