Australian MP critically injured after being hit by car in ‘deliberate act’

Australian independent lawmaker Helen Haines has been critically injured after being struck by a vehicle outside her constituency office in Wangaratta, Victoria, on Monday.

According to Al Jazeera, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the incident as a deliberate attack.

“This wasn’t an accident. There was a deliberate act,” Albanese said.

Police confirmed that a Toyota Land Cruiser struck the 65-year-old politician outside her office, leaving her with critical injuries.

Authorities arrested a 43-year-old male driver after bystanders apprehended him at the scene. Officers also recovered a knife from his vehicle.

Albanese said the suspect’s motive remained unknown, adding that Australia’s counterterrorism squad had been activated to investigate the incident.

The prime minister expressed concern over increasing hostility towards politicians, particularly on social media.

Haines, a former nurse and midwife, entered parliament in 2019 and has advocated greater political transparency and stronger climate policies.

Her family thanked emergency responders and requested privacy while she receives medical treatment at the hospital.