Helen Haines, the independent MP representing the Victorian electorate of Indi, lost one leg after a car allegedly struck her twice in Wangaratta on Monday night. Police allege the driver made a U-turn before ramming Haines near her electorate office in what officers describe as a targeted attack.
Haines was airlifted from Wangaratta in northern Victoria to Melbourne's Alfred Hospital for emergency surgery. She remains in critical yet stable condition following the procedure.
Police have interviewed an alleged attacker in connection with the incident. The Guardian reported the attack occurred in Wangaratta but did not name the suspect or provide details about motive, prior relationship between Haines and the accused, or the specific circumstances that led police to characterize the incident as targeted. No charges have been detailed in the available reporting.
Haines has represented Indi since 2019, winning the seat as an independent candidate. Her electorate covers parts of northeastern Victoria including towns like Wangaratta, Benalla and Beechworth.
The incident marks a rare act of violence against an Australian parliamentarian. The specifics of what prompted the alleged attack remain unclear from the available reporting.