Australian Independent MP Helen Haines injured by car outside Wangaratta office

Australian independent federal MP Helen Haines has been injured in a vehicle collision outside her electorate office on Murphy Street in Wangaratta, Victoria. Emergency services were called to the scene on Monday afternoon, with ABC News reporting calls were received shortly before 4:00pm, while the Daily Mail reported the incident happened at 3:30pm. The street was closed in both directions as police and emergency vehicles responded. [1][2][3][4][8]

The Daily Mail and News24 both reported that Haines is in a critical condition, with the Daily Mail adding that a crime scene was declared and cordoned off with police tape. Other outlets, including ABC News and the Guardian, reported that she was seriously injured and receiving medical care. Her family confirmed in a statement that she was receiving medical treatment following the incident. [1][2][3][4][6]

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese spoke in Sydney alongside Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke on Monday evening. Albanese stated that his thoughts were with her family and that they are praying for her full recovery. The Daily Mail reported that Albanese confirmed Haines was attacked. [1][3]

Haines has served as the independent MP for the regional Victorian federal electorate of Indi since the 2019 election. [2][10]