"It was an attack." A parliamentarian hit by a car in front of her office

The incident occurred in the parking lot in front of Helen Haines' office when the MP was unloading items from the trunk of her car. According to local media reports, the driver intentionally hit the parliamentarian. Emergency services were immediately called to the scene and provided first aid to the injured person. Haines, 65, was taken to hospital where doctors are fighting for her life.

Victoria Police said a 43-year-old man had been arrested in connection with the case. Both state and federal police and intelligence services are investigating. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stressed that it was too early to talk about the motives for the attack.

Prime Minister Albanese expressed support for the injured party during a press conference. We are all thinking of Helen, her family, friends, colleagues and the entire community at this incredibly difficult time. We pray for her full recovery, he said. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke added that the investigation was at an early stage and no conclusions could yet be drawn as to the perpetrator's motives.

The MP's family said in a statement that Helen Haines received immediate medical attention. "We are grateful for the quick response of witnesses, emergency services and the police. We ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time," they wrote.

Helen Haines was elected to the Federal Parliament in 2019, and again in 2022 and 2025. He has lived in north-east Victoria for almost 40 years. "My husband and I run a small farm, our children went to school here, and I plan to grow old here," she wrote.