Indi MP Helen Haines in critical condition after deliberate vehicle attack in Wangaratta

Indi MP Helen Haines is in critical condition after being struck by a vehicle outside her Wangaratta electorate office shortly after 3.30 pm yesterday. A LandCruiser driver made a sharp U‑turn and hit her as she was loading items from the boot of her car, a move police describe as a deliberate act. A joint counter‑terrorism taskforce has taken over the investigation, and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on ABC TV that “it’s very clear this was a deliberate act” while refusing to speculate on motive. A spokesperson from Alfred hospital confirmed Haines remains in critical condition following surgery. Victorian National MP Tim McCurdy called the incident “unbelievable” and said he felt safe in his electorate until now. Independent Senator David Pocock echoed the shock, noting an “uptick in very angry people” and that his staff have been in tears. Deputy Liberal leader Jane Hume said colleagues are “reeling” and offered thoughts and prayers, calling Haines an extraordinary representative. Wangaratta Mayor Irene Grant described community disbelief and praised the “heroic barber” Ricky Jefferies, who rushed to Haines’s aid after the attack. Albanese stressed the need to balance MP security with community engagement and urged a cooler political debate. ## Context The attack adds to growing concerns about political violence in Australia, prompting calls for stronger security measures while preserving open citizen‑representative interaction.