Skip to contentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleWant to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Membership today.Join todayAlready a member? Log inRich BoothMonday 19 October 2026 10:05 BSTIndependent MP Helen Haines is in a critical condition (Getty)Independent MP Helen Haines is in a critical condition in hospital after being struck by a car outside her office in Wangaratta, Victoria.Prime minister Anthony Albanese stated the incident appeared to be a deliberate act, though the motive is not yet known.A 43-year-old man from Tarrawingee was arrested at the scene by a passerby following the collision on Monday afternoon.Australia's Joint Counter Terrorism Team, Victoria Police, the AFP, and ASIO are jointly investigating the incident.Police seized a knife from inside the suspect's vehicle as detectives investigate whether the victim and suspect were known to each other.In fullAustralian MP hit by car outside office as driver arrestedMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in