Australian lawmaker critically hurt in ‘violent’ vehicle attack

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Australian independent lawmaker Helen Haines was hit outside her office in Wangaratta, just over 200km north-west of Melbourne, the police said.

MELBOURNE – Australian independent lawmaker Helen Haines was deliberately struck by a car and suffered “critical injuries” on Oct 19, in what officials described as a “violent” attack.

Political violence is rare in Australia, but law enforcement officials have documented a steady rise in threats and abuse directed towards the nation’s elected officials in recent years.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese led an outpouring of support for Haines, widely praised for her efforts to increase transparency in politics and crack down on corruption.

She was hit by a Toyota Land Cruiser outside her office in the town of Wangaratta, just over 200km north-east of Melbourne, around 3.35pm.

Witnesses told national broadcaster ABC they heard a bang and saw a woman pinned between two cars.

Police said the 65-year-old was critically injured.

She has been airlifted to Melbourne for emergency treatment, ABC reported.

She “suffered what has been described as critical injuries” in the attack, Victoria Police Acting Superintendent Ashley Mason said, without identifying the victim in line with police custom in Australia.

The 43-year-old male driver was detained by civilians, Mason said, and then arrested by the police, who found a knife in his car.

Australian media reported that he was known to police.

Albanese said the alleged attacker’s motive remained unknown.

However, he bemoaned the fact that political debate in Australia had grown too heated and personal over the past few years.

“The temperature has increased in recent times,” Albanese told ABC.

“I’ve expressed that concern to people in the media,” he said.

“If you look at anyone’s social media feeds and look at the comments, people will say things that they would never say face to face.”

Victoria Premier Ben Carroll said he was “appalled” by the “violent attack” in his state.

“I know how devastating this will be for the Wangaratta community and all those who Helen represents,” he said.

Haines entered Parliament in 2019 after working as a nurse and midwife, becoming known for stances such as supporting stronger climate action.

“This afternoon, our beloved Helen was involved in an incident outside her Wangaratta Electorate Office, and is receiving medical care,” her family said.

“We thank the swift assistance of bystanders and the dedicated health workers who assisted her, and police for their response.”

Tributes to the independent lawmaker poured in from across the political spectrum on the night of Oct 19.

Conservative opposition leader Angus Taylor described it as a “shocking day for our nation”.

Far-right Senator Pauline Hanson said “violence against any elected representative, whoever they are and whatever they stand for, is never acceptable in Australia”.

Albanese described Haines as “fiercely intelligent but, most importantly, she’s just a thoroughly decent human being”.

“There’s a reason why Helen Haines is so loved and admired because she’s someone of integrity. She’s someone who treats everyone with respect,” he said.

“She’s someone who is a beacon of light for that community there in northern Victoria.” AFP