Independent MP hit by car

Dr Helen Haines, the independent MP for Indi, was hit by a car on Monday in what Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described as an attack and a deliberate act.

Shock across the political aisle

The incident has sent shockwaves through federal politics, with condemnation from Prime Minister Albanese to One Nation's Pauline Hanson, opposition leader Angus Taylor to Greens leader David Shoebridge.

Who is Helen Haines

Haines was first elected to federal parliament in 2019 representing the vast north-eastern Victorian electorate of Indi, taking in Wodonga, Wangaratta and Benalla. She trained as a nurse and midwife.

Her qualifications and background

Haines became matron of a nursing hospital in Chiltern and later led midwifery services at Wangaratta Hospital. She holds a master's degree in public health and a PhD in medical science.

Champion of integrity and anti-corruption

As early as two thousand twenty-one, Haines proposed her own bill for a federal integrity commission, helping lead a major push for a national anti-corruption body.

Why she is widely respected

Prime Minister Albanese said Haines is someone of integrity who treats everyone with respect and is a beacon of light for her community.

“She's someone of integrity. She's someone who treats everyone with respect, and she's someone who is a beacon of light for that community there in northern Victoria.”

Fellow independent's tribute

Allegra Spender, a fellow community independent, called Haines the best of us and said she approaches issues with compassion and rigour, everything you would want from a politician.

“Helen is one of the most outstanding people in parliament. Whether you agree with her or you don't on issues, you would be proud to see how she approaches issues in the Parliament; with compassion, with rigour, everything that you would want from a politician.”