Aldred condemns ‘appalling’ attack on neighbouring MP Helen Haines

FEDERAL Monash MP Mary Aldred has condemned the attack on neighbouring Indi MP Helen Haines as an assault on democracy after the independent lost a leg when she was struck by a car in Wangaratta on Monday.

In a statement, Ms Aldred said her thoughts were with Ms Haines, her family and her staff.

“This is a shocking incident and more details are still to unfold,” she said.

“This is an appalling, violent attack on a parliamentarian who is universally regarded as gracious, hardworking and thoughtful. Helen is in parliament for the most noble of reasons, to do the very best job she can for her community.

“It is also an attack on the democratic will of the people of Indi, who sent her to Canberra as their representative, and an assault on our parliament and our system of democracy.”

Ms Aldred said it was a privilege to work alongside Ms Haines as a fellow regional Victorian MP, sharing an electorate border and serving together on the Speaker’s Panel.

“Helen is a profoundly decent person,” she said.

“Right now, we all want Helen to pull through, and that is the focus of my thoughts and prayers.”

Ms Haines, 65, was hit by a white Toyota LandCruiser outside her electorate office about 3.35pm on Monday while she was at the boot of her car.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said witnesses saw the vehicle make a U-turn before it hit her, and he called it “a deliberate act”.

Locals pulled the driver from the vehicle and held him until police arrived. A 43-year-old Tarrawingee man was arrested at the scene.

Ms Haines was flown to The Alfred in Melbourne, where she underwent surgery overnight and remains in a critical condition. The ABC reported that doctors are working to save her other leg.

Victoria Police is leading the investigation with support from the joint counter-terrorism team, which includes the Australian Federal Police and ASIO.