Helen Haines attack: PM says Federal MP still in critical condition, reveals driver’s u-turn before ‘attack’

Victoria Police say the suspect accused of driving into Federal MP Helen Haines has not yet been formally interviewed.

Acting superintendent Ashley Mason said on Tuesday morning the 43-year-old man, who has been taken into custody, was known to police.

“The man has had some prior involvement with police,” acting supt Mason told News24.

“(He’s) still yet to be formally interviewed.”

Acting supt Mason also said detectives were looking at CCTV, evidence from the crime scene and speaking to eyewitnesses as part of their investiagtion.

He said a motive has not been established and there was no record the Toyota LandCruiser that struck Ms Haines was stolen.

“That will occur today, and that will occur whilst the investigation continues and we further examine and analyse all available evidence,” he said.

“The focus of the investigation will be to determine, why and how this occurred and whether it was an intentional or deliberate act.

“There has been accounts that a U-turn (happened).”

Local father-of-three Ricky Jefferies has been identified as the “hero” barber who raced to Helen Haines’ aid after a four-wheel-drive mowed her down outside of her electoral office in Wangaratta.

Speaking to Sunrise on Tuesday morning,, Mr Jefferies’ sister, Tanya, said she was proud of her brother’s sefless act.

“He very much doesn’t feel like he’s a hero,” she said.

“I just feel this overwhelming feeling of pride I’ve never felt. I’m just so proud of him.”

Anthony Albanese has urged all Australains to reign in political discourse to maintain a healthy democracy.

“We start by having respectful debate, and all of us are responsible for that, whether we’re politicians, whether we’re the media, whether we’re citizens, in just being able to discuss things in a civil way,” he told Sunrise.

“We can have disagreements in a democracy. We can have disagreements without questioning people’s motives or their patriotism.”

The PM said it was important for politians to be able to continue interacting with their communitys.

“We have a great democracy, and we have a great deal of pride as well that, unlike in some parts of the world, the truth is that members and senators can get about their community, can go to big events without any security,” he added.

“It’s really important that we don’t lose that. That’s a cherished part of our democracy. It’s the way in which people can engage as citizens with their representatives.”

The Prime Minister confirmed on Tuesday morning Helen Haines remains in critical condition after she was struck by a 4WD in an alleged “attack” on Monday afternoon.

“Helen remains in hospital in a critical condition. I spoke with her husband, Phil, last night, and she underwent surgery last night,” Mr Albanese told Sunrise.

“All of Australians’ thoughts are with the family, with her many friends, with her community.

“This is a tragic situation, and our thoughts are with her this morning and today, and we hope for a full recovery.”

Mr Albanese said he and Victorian Premier Ben Carrol would be briefed by Australian Federal Police and ASIO through the Counter-Terrorism Task Force later on Tuesday.

Anthony Albanese has revealed that the driver who allegedly struck independent MP Helen Haines in her Victorian electorate had performed a U-turn just moments before the incident.

A 43-year-old driver of the 4WD which allegedly struck her about 3.35pm on Monday has been arrested as part of a major police investigation which includes members of the State’s joint counter-terrorism team.

In a media blitz on Tuesday morning the Prime Minister said Dr Haines remains in a critical condition after what he labelled a “violent attack”.

“This violent attack is not who we are,” he told News24.

“It’s very clear from the reports that this was a deliberate act.”

Australian Federal Police, ASIO, Victorian Police and the state’s joint-counter terrorism team are investigating the incident but the motive remains unknown.

The PM said he would be briefed later this morning.

“Now the motivation is not clear at this point in time but it is clear that this wasn’t just an accident,” he told Sunrise.

“This was an attempt to harm Helen Haines in Wangaratta, outside of her electorate office.

“The reports from eyewitnesses are that the car that struck Haines did a U-turn and therefore that’s why this wasn’t... something with a car, just going off the road.

“This is something that is very clear was aimed at causing harm to Helen. There are other details (but) that’s up to the police to make public.”

“So Police will no doubt continue to interview the suspect in this case and come to a determination.”

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Welcome to our blog where we will bring you rolling covering of the latest developments after Independent MP Helen Haines suffered critical injuries when she was struck in an alleged “deliberate” and “violent attack” by a four-wheel-drive outside her electorate office in regional Victoria.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed a suspect was in custody during an urgent press conference on Monday evening, revealing a major police investigation was underway and the joint counter-terrorism team had been activated.

This morning Mr Albanese confirmed Ms Haines had undergone surgery and remains in a critical condition in hospital.