Helen Haines (centre) entered parliament in 2019 and was widely praised for her efforts to increase political transparency and crack down on corruption. (EPA Images pic)WANGARATTA: Australian lawmaker Helen Haines has lost a leg after being struck by a car in a deliberate attack, local media said Tuesday.

Political violence is rare in Australia, but law enforcement have documented a steady rise in threats and abuse directed towards the nation's elected officials in recent years.

Prime minister Anthony Albanese said the attack was a "test of our character" and led an outpouring of support for Haines, widely praised for her efforts to increase transparency in politics and crack down on corruption.