Victoria
Helen Haines critically injured in attack outside electorate office
The federal independent MP for Indi, Helen Haines, has been critically injured in an attack outside her regional Victorian electorate office.
The federal independent Member for Indi, Helen Haines, has been critically injured in an attack outside her electorate office in Victoria's north-east.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the incident, according to a wire report. Mr Albanese stated that counter-terrorism police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the assault.
A man has been arrested in connection with the incident, which took place near the MP's regional office.
Specific details regarding the nature of the attack, the weapon used, and the identity of the arrested man have not yet been confirmed by police. The exact location of the incident, which occurred outside her electorate office, remains under police guard.
Ms Haines represents the large rural electorate of Indi, which covers a significant portion of north-eastern Victoria. Her primary electorate office is located in Wangaratta, though she also maintains regional offices across the district. It has not yet been confirmed by authorities at which specific office the incident took place.
Mr Albanese did not provide further details regarding her medical condition, other than to confirm that her injuries are considered critical. Emergency services and local police have not yet released a formal statement detailing the sequence of events or the charges expected to be laid.
The involvement of counter-terrorism officers indicates that federal and state authorities are treating the incident with the utmost seriousness, although the motivation behind the attack has not yet been established. Representatives for Ms Haines' office have been contacted for comment.
Observers will be watching for further updates from Victoria Police and hospital authorities regarding the member's medical condition and the charges laid against the arrested man.
This report draws on original reporting by Wire report.
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