Indi MP Dr Helen Haines is fighting for her life after being rammed by a vehicle outside her electorate office in Wangaratta. Sources have confirmed she has lost one of her legs.
Dr Haines, 65, was airlifted to the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne and remains in a critical condition after surgery overnight. She was at the boot of her car about 3.35pm on Monday when the SUV allegedly made a U-turn, hit her, reversed, and hit her again, according to eyewitness accounts relayed by government ministers.
A 43-year-old man from Tarrawingee was arrested at the scene and could be charged with causing harm to a commonwealth public official, according to the Australian Federal Police. If found guilty, he could face a maximum of 10 years’ imprisonment.
Local barber Ricky Jefferies saw the alleged attack unfold and intervened to apprehend the driver, whom he says had a knife, before police arrived.
Locals crowded a church in Wangaratta for a vigil in support of Dr Haines, and many have laid flowers at her office.
Authorities are yet to determine the suspect’s motive or whether he is known to Dr Haines. Victoria’s counter-terrorism task force is being joined by federal police and spy agency ASIO.
“At this stage it appears this is an isolated incident, and there are no known threats connected to this matter,” said AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett.
Australia’s top spy boss has issued a renewed plea for more civil political discourse.
“This incident occurred in an environment where politically motivated violence is more likely than previous years,” said ASIO director-general Mike Burgess.
Victorian Police Acting Superintendent Ashley Mason said there was no recent evidence the alleged offender was on law enforcement’s radar.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says the attack was clearly deliberate.
“This wasn’t something with a car just going off the off the road, this is something that is very clear was aimed at causing harm to Helen Haines,” said Mr Albanese.
On Monday night, Mr Albanese was asked whether he had been worried the political temperature could lead to a physical attack on a politician.
“I’ve expressed that concern very publicly and I’ve expressed that concern to people in the media,” Mr Albanese said.
“I do think that we need people in positions, need to join in the call to turn that temperature down.”
New England MP Barnaby Joyce was at a business dinner in Hobart when he learned of the attack.
“Dr Helen Haines is a beautiful person and anyone who has come across her would understand how reprehensible this barbarous act was, if intentional,” Mr Joyce said in a statement posted to Facebook.
“I pray for Helen’s speedy recovery and hope she is not maimed by this horrific incident.”
“The attack on a person in public office is an attack on our democracy.”