Australian MP seriously hurt in suspected car attack

Helen Haines, an independent federal lawmaker, has been struck by a car in what Australia's prime minister has called an apparent attack.

Australian police are investigating a suspected car attack that has left independent MP Helen Haines with critical injuries.

Counterterrorism investigators have joined the probe following the incident, which occurred outside Haines' constituency office in Wangaratta, northeast of the Victorian capital, Melbourne.

Haines, 65, was hit by an SUV, said by police to be a white Toyota, outside her office, leaving her with serious injuries, particularly to her lower body.

Broadcaster ABC cited witnesses as saying they had heard a bang and then saw a woman pinned between two cars.

The driver, described as a 43-year-old man, has been arrested, according to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Investigators are reported to have found a knife in the car.

"This wasn't an accident. There was a deliberate act, it would appear," Albanese told ABC.

He said it was too early to speculate about the possible motive behind the suspected attack, but pointed to rising political violence.

"The temperature has increased in recent times," Albanese added, "I've expressed that concern to people in the media."

Ben Carroll, the state premier for Victoria where Wangaratta is located, said he was "appalled" by the attack, adding: "I know how devastating this will be for the Wangaratta community and all those who Helen represents."

At a separate press conference, Albanese said everyone was "praying for her full recovery."   

Although it has not yet been established whether the incident was deliberate, there has been an increase in threats and harassment targeting lawmakers and other senior public officials in Australia and elsewhere in recent years.

Haines had worked as a nurse and a midwife before entering parliament in 2019. She is known for her stance on stronger climate action.

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