Australian lawmaker hurt in car attack underwent surgery overnight

WANGARATTA: Australian independent lawmaker Helen Haines underwent surgery overnight but remains in a critical condition after being deliberately struck by a car, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Tuesday.

Political violence is rare in Australia, but law enforcement agencies have documented a steady rise in threats and abuse directed at the nation's elected officials in recent years.

Albanese said the attack was a "test of our character" and prompted an outpouring of support for Haines, who has been widely praised for her efforts to increase transparency in politics and crack down on corruption.

She was hit by a Toyota Land Cruiser outside her office in the town of Wangaratta, just over 200km northeast of Melbourne, at around 3.35pm (0435 GMT) on Monday.

Witnesses told national broadcaster ABC they heard a bang and saw a woman pinned between two cars.

She was retrieving items from the boot of her car when the attack happened, Albanese said.

The driver made a U-turn to get back to her after passing, he added.

"It's clear this was a deliberate act," he said.

[[nid:1559384]]

'Hero' barber

The 65-year-old was critically injured.

She underwent surgery overnight at the Alfred hospital in Melbourne.

"Helen remains in hospital in a critical condition. I spoke with her husband Phil last night, and she underwent surgery last night," Albanese told Australian breakfast show Sunrise on Tuesday.

"All Australians' thoughts are with the family, with her many friends, with her community," he added.

The 43-year-old male driver was restrained by local barber Ricky Jefferies, who is now widely hailed as a "hero".

He told journalists his first thought had been: "My wife would be disappointed if I'm injured."

"My family, they're everything, and my community is second to that," a visibly shaken Jefferies told journalists.

"The other people here were just, they did so much more than me... they deserve the credit."

The driver was then arrested by police, who found a knife in his car.

Australian media reported that he was known to police.

The investigation is ongoing.

[[nid:1559383]]

'Devastating'

The alleged attacker's motive remains unknown, and Albanese has refused to speculate while the investigation is ongoing.

However, he has lamented that political debate in Australia had become too heated and personal in recent years, pointing to a significant increase in threats against elected officials.

"It's important in a democracy that people are allowed to have disagreements," he said.

"But that doesn't mean that you have to draw into question people's motivations or their patriotism or who they are."

"We've seen, I think, political discourse go in the wrong direction in recent times," he said.

Victoria Premier Ben Carroll said he was "appalled" by the "violent attack" in his state.

"I know how devastating this will be for the Wangaratta community and all those who Helen represents," he said.

Haines entered parliament in 2019 after working as a nurse and midwife. She became known for positions including support for stronger climate action.

"This afternoon, our beloved Helen was involved in an incident outside her Wangaratta Electorate Office, and is receiving medical care," her family said.

"We thank the swift assistance of bystanders and the dedicated health workers who assisted her, and police for their response."

Tributes to the independent lawmaker have poured in from across the political spectrum.

Conservative opposition leader Angus Taylor described it as a "shocking day for our nation".

Far-right Senator Pauline Hanson said "violence against any elected representative, whoever they are and whatever they stand for, is never acceptable in Australia".