Members of Parliament from across the political spectrum have spoken out following the allegedly deliberate attack on independent politician Helen Haines on Monday.
Dr Haines, 65, who represents the Victorian electorate of Indi, was hit by a car on Monday outside her electorate office in the town of Wangaratta, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stating on Monday night: "This wasn't an accident. This was a deliberate act."
He told ABC Breakfast on Tuesday: "It would appear that the driver of the vehicle that inflicted the damage to Helen Haines did a U-turn in order to get back to where Helen Haines was after passing where she was getting things from the boot or putting things into the boot of her car."
Dr Haines remains in a critical condition at the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne after undergoing surgery last night.
A 43-year-old local man, identified by the ABC as Brendan Nugent, has been in custody since yesterday afternoon, with Acting Superintendent Ashley Mason saying police "are ascertaining exactly what occurred, how and why".
The alleged attack has shocked MPs, with Dr Haines widely respected across the political aisle.
Speaking to ABC Melbourne on Tuesday, Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe described Dr Haines as a "genuinely, lovely person".
She noted that if the well-loved MP could be allegedly attacked, then "no one's safe".
Senator Thorpe has been open about the threats she has received as a politician, and said she worries about her safety every day.
She said the Australian Federal Police had previously told her not to go home because of safety concerns.
"To see other politicians being [allegedly] attacked like this, it's like, where do we cross the line?" Senator Thorpe said. "What kind of country are we becoming with so much hate?"
Fellow Senator Jacqui Lambie said she echoed the "sentiments of my colleagues when I say that Helen Haines is truly the best of us".
"My heart goes out to Helen's family, friends and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time," the Tasmanian Senator said in a statement.
"We are all praying for her speedy recovery."
Writing on social media, Shadow Spokesperson for Small Business Jacinta Nampijinpa Price said she was "shocked and heartbroken" by the alleged attack on Dr Haines.
"Helen has spent her life caring for others and serving her community with everything she has," she wrote. "Violence has no place in our country.
"My thoughts are with Helen and her family. Stay strong, Helen. We're all with you."
Sharing the PM's statement, Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy wrote on Monday evening: "Tonight, we are united in our thoughts for Helen, her loved ones, her staff and the communities of Indi."
