SYDNEY: Australian independent lawmaker Helen Haines was in critical condition on Monday after being deliberately struck by a car outside her office in Wangaratta, Victoria, police and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.
Victoria Police confirmed that a 43-year-old man had been arrested following the attack on Haines, 65, in Wangaratta, about a three-hour drive northeast of Melbourne.
Albanese said Haines had been airlifted to hospital following the incident.
“All of our thoughts are with Helen, her family, her friends, her team, and her community at this extremely difficult time. We are praying for her full recovery,” Albanese told a press conference.
Victoria Police Acting Superintendent Ashley Mason said there was no further threat to the public.
The prime minister said it was too early to determine the motive behind the attack, adding that a terrorism taskforce would investigate the arrested suspect.
In a statement posted on Haines’ Facebook page, her family thanked bystanders who provided immediate assistance, healthcare workers who treated her and police for their response.
“We thank the swift assistance of bystanders and the dedicated health workers who assisted her, and police for their response,” the statement said.