Condemnation across political spectrum after incident in Wangaratta, as Nationals MP from nearby electorate says Haines ‘not a divisive figure’

Dr Helen Haines, the popular 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”.

The incident has sent shockwaves through federal politics, with the bombshell of the apparent attack – of a type not seen in Australian public life – amplified by the fact it targeted Haines, a principled politician who is well-respected by virtually all across the parliament.