Independent Australian MP Helen Haines has undergone surgery and remains in a critical condition after allegedly being deliberately hit by a Toyota LandCruiser outside her electorate office in Wangaratta, Victoria, yesterday afternoon.
The 65-year-old MP, who has represented the electorate of Indi since 2019, remains in hospital in Melbourne.
Haines was retrieving items from the boot of her vehicle when the alleged attack occurred.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has described the incident as a "deliberate act", while preliminary investigations suggest the vehicle that hit her made a U-turn before the incident.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke says Haines was rammed twice.
ABC News reports that the man arrested following the alleged attack has been identified as 43-year-old Brendan Nugent, who remains in custody and was questioned by detectives this morning.
A source familiar with the investigation told ABC News that Nugent was known to police.
He is also understood to have undergone a mental health assessment.
The alleged attack has sparked shock across Australia's political community, with politicians from different sides expressing concern and highlighting Haines' standing and reputation.
Several Australian politicians have raised concerns about increasing abuse and mistreatment directed at public figures.
Albanese has urged Australians to "turn the political temperatures down" following the incident.
Source: ABC News
