CANBERRA — Independent MP Helene Haines was seriously injured in an attack near her election office, with a suspect in custody and Australia’s counter-terrorism team activated.
Haines was hit by a Toyota Landcruiser near her election office in Wangarratta, Victoria, on Monday afternoon, before passers-by restrained the driver until police arrived at the scene. A 43-year-old man from Tarrawingee, in the electorate of Haines, is in custody and police have seized a knife from his vehicle.
Prime Minister Antoine Albanian said authorities believe it was a deliberate attack, although the motivation is not yet known. Australia’s Joint Counter-Terrorism Team has been activated. Haines has represented Indi’s Victorian regional headquarters since 2019.
“Helene Haines is incredibly hardworking,” Albanian told reporters in Sydney.
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