Independent MP Helen Haines is fighting for her life after being struck by a car outside her electorate office in regional Victoria, in what Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has described as a deliberate attack.
The 65-year-old federal member for Indi was critically injured when a white Toyota LandCruiser allegedly struck her on Murphy Street in Wangaratta about 3.35pm on Monday.
She was flown to Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital, where she underwent emergency surgery for serious injuries.
But amid the horror, an extraordinary act of bravery by a local businessman has emerged as a rare bright spot in an otherwise devastating story.
Wangaratta barber Ricky Jefferies reportedly rushed from his business, pulled the suspected driver from his vehicle and restrained him until police arrived, potentially putting his own life at risk.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was full of praise for the quick-thinking local, declaring him a hero.
“That person is a hero today and I just think that he deserves enormous praise and thanks for his intervention which could have prevented even more further infliction of damage which was aimed at Helen,” Mr Albanese told Channel Nine.
“So at the worst of times we do see the best of the Australian character and when it comes to the Australian character, there’s no one better than Helen Haines.”
Nearby business owner Jessica Bear was equally effusive in her praise for Mr Jefferies, describing the father-of-three as a selfless man whose actions came as no surprise.
“Ricky is definitely a hero,” she told 7NEWS.
The 43-year-old suspected driver, from Tarrawingee, was taken into police custody following the citizen’s arrest, with police later confirming a knife had been seized from the vehicle.
Wangaratta Police Acting Superintendent Ashley Mason also paid tribute to the quick-thinking locals, acknowledging the terrifying circumstances they had faced.
“This would have been a tragic, horrific incident for people to witness,” he said.
“For those that were nearby and those that were involved and assisted in detaining the male and then also provided any assistance to the injured female, I just thank them.”
The Prime Minister confirmed that authorities were treating the incident as a deliberate act, although the motivation remained unknown.
“This wasn’t an accident,” Mr Albanese told the ABC’s 7.30 program. “This was a deliberate act.”
The Australian Federal Police, ASIO and counter-terrorism investigators have been involved in the investigation, although authorities have stressed it is too early to determine a motive.
Mr Albanese also delivered an emotional tribute to Ms Haines, describing her as a deeply respected parliamentarian and an exceptional human being.
“She is fiercely intelligent, but most importantly, she’s just a thoroughly decent human being, full of integrity and respected right across the parliament and from everyone who comes into contact with her,” he said.
Ms Haines, a former nurse and midwife, has represented the north-eastern Victorian electorate of Indi since 2019 and is widely regarded as a passionate advocate for her regional community.
Her family released a statement thanking those who rushed to help her in the moments following the incident.
“We thank the swift assistance of bystanders and the dedicated health workers who assisted her, and police for their response,” the statement read.
“Our family, and Helen’s staff, will be making no further comment at this time, and ask that their privacy be respected by the public and media.
“Please keep Helen in your thoughts.”
Opposition Leader Angus Taylor described the incident as a shocking day for Australia, declaring that violence against elected representatives must never become normalised.
As the investigation continues, the thoughts of colleagues across the political divide remain firmly with Ms Haines and her family.
And in a day marked by an appalling act of violence, the courage of an ordinary Wangaratta businessman who stepped forward to help has offered a powerful reminder of the strength of the community she represents.
