WANGARATTA (Australia), Oct 20 — 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 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.
She was hit by a Toyota Land Cruiser outside her office in the town of Wangaratta, just over 200 kilometres (124 miles) northeast of Melbourne, at around 3.35pm on Monday.
