Federal MP Helen Haines rushed to hospital after being hit by a car outside her office

Independent federal MP Helen Haines was struck by a car outside her electoral office in Wangaratta, Victoria, and taken to hospital with severe lower-body injuries. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said she had been attacked, and counter-terrorism units are investigating; police are treating the incident as a suspected targeted attack.

The incident occurred shortly after 3.30pm on Monday on Murphy Street. Witnesses reportedly said a white Land Rover struck Haines after its driver made a U-turn, pinning her beneath the vehicle; a local barber said he pulled the driver from the car. Haines, 65, was expected to be airlifted to Melbourne for further treatment, while her family thanked bystanders, police and medical staff and asked for privacy.