Helen Haines attacked in ‘serious incident’ outside electorate office

Independent MP Helen Haines has been injured near her Wangaratta office in regional Victoria, ABC News reports.

Emergency services were called to a vehicle crash at 3.40pm on Murphy Street.

A statement from Haines’ family on Monday afternoon asked that the public keep the 65-year-old in their thoughts.

“This afternoon, our beloved Helen was involved in an incident outside her Wangaratta Electorate Office, and is receiving medical care. We thank the swift assistance of bystanders and the dedicated health workers who assisted her, and police for their response,” the statement read.

“Our family, and Helen’s staff, will be making no further comment at this time, and ask that their privacy be respected by the public and media. Please keep Helen in your thoughts.”

Haines became the first independent MP to succeed another independent at the 2019 federal election, when she replaced Cathy McGowan in Indi.

The sprawling regional Victorian electorate spans from Marysville to Wodonga and Mount Hotham, and takes in towns including Lake Eildon, Beechworth, Corryong, Myrtleford and the alpine town of Porepunkah.

A former nurse, midwife and health researcher, Haines has advocated for better telecommunications infrastructure and for the establishment of the National Anti-Corruption Commission.

The regional city of Wangaratta, about two hours and 40 minutes’ drive northeast of Melbourne, is home to about 30,000 people.

More to come

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