A resident lays flowers outside federal MP Helen Haines' office in Wangaratta, where she was critically injured after being struck by a vehicle. (EPA Images pic)WANGARATTA: A rural Australian town felt a mix of horror and disbelief on Tuesday after a highly respected lawmaker was gravely injured in what looked to be a targeted attack.

Former nurse and midwife Helen Haines entered parliament in 2019, earning respect across the political divide for her efforts to stamp out corruption and bolster transparency.

The 65-year-old was struck by a two-tonne SUV in Wangaratta on Monday afternoon, suffering critical injuries in what authorities described as a "deliberate" act of violence.

Wangaratta mayor Irene Grant said a sombre mood had settled over the town of about 30,000 people, a regional hub about 250km (155 miles) northeast of state capital Melbourne.