Terrorism Taskforce Investigates Attack That Left Australian MP Critically Injured

Reuters

Australian independent MP Helen Haines.

Australian independent MP Helen Haines was in a critical condition on Monday after being deliberately struck by a car outside her office, as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that a terrorism taskforce would investigate the arrested suspect.

Albanese told a news conference that it was too early to establish the motive behind the attack. However, he later highlighted how changes in social media had intensified political tensions in Australia, where such violence is extremely rare.

Victoria Police said a 43-year-old man had been arrested following the incident in Wangaratta, about a three-hour drive north-east of Melbourne.

Acting Superintendent Ashley Mason said Haines was struck by a white Toyota Land Cruiser travelling along Murphy Street, where her office is located. Bystanders who witnessed the incident detained the driver, he added.

Police also found a knife inside the vehicle.

Haines, 65, was airlifted to hospital, where she remained in a critical condition, according to police and the prime minister.

Mason said there was no further threat to the public and that investigators were treating the incident as an isolated attack.

Before entering politics, Haines worked in nursing and midwifery and pursued an academic career. She was elected to the Australian Parliament as an independent representative for the seat of Indi in 2019.

According to her official website, Haines has opposed several policy proposals, including measures to increase secrecy around political donations to major parties, a ban on mobile phones in immigration detention and billions of dollars in fossil fuel subsidies.

"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," Albanese told the press conference.

Haines' family posted on her Facebook page, saying: "We thank the swift assistance of bystanders and the dedicated health workers who assisted her, and police for their response."



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