Victoria Police said Haines was struck at about 3:35 p.m. local time on Murphy Street in Wangaratta, in north-east Victoria, outside her electoral district office. Reports cited by Australian outlets said she was unloading items from a car when she was hit.

Police did not name the victim in their statement, in line with privacy policy, but Haines's family confirmed her identity, said she is receiving medical care, thanked bystanders, health workers and police, and asked for privacy.

The driver, a 43-year-old man from Tarrawingee, was detained at the scene by a passerby and arrested by police. Police said he would be interviewed and that a knife was located and seized from inside the Toyota.

Police said they are investigating whether this was an intentional act, and that it is not yet known whether the suspect and Haines knew each other. No motive has been established.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said a major police investigation is under way and the Joint Counter-Terrorism Team — involving the Australian Federal Police, Victoria Police and ASIO — has been activated. He described Haines as respected across Parliament and said it was too early to determine what motivated the incident.

Haines, a former nurse, midwife and health researcher, has represented the Victorian seat of Indi as an independent since 2019.

The Associated Press noted, citing Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, that threats against Australian parliamentarians have risen sharply, with more than 1,000 such threats reported in the 2025-26 financial year.

Sources: Associated Press (AP); ABC News Australia; Victoria Police; Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's statement; 7News Melbourne reporting.