Dr Haines was struck by a car outside her electorate office in Wangaratta yesterday afternoon and was flown to Melbourne where she underwent emergency surgery overnight on severe injuries to her lower body.
Tributes to the MP have streamed in from all sides of politics as police investigations continue.
Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell, whose seat borders the seat of Indi, said he was shocked and saddened by the apparent deliberate attack and called her “one of the kindest people you would meet”.
His sentiment was echoed by federal Member for Farrer David Farley, who said Dr Haines represented the “best of us all” and offered his prayers.
Victorian upper house Member for Northern Victoria Georgie Purcell called Dr Haines a “powerhouse” and said for many women working in politics, yesterday evening was their “worst nightmare”.
“This shocking attack will rattle the entire nation, but especially the people of Indi, and while a motivation is yet to be confirmed, this is still an act of male violence,” she said in a statement.
“It has sent chills down my spine, and I know women in parliaments across our country and candidates contesting the Victorian state election will feel the same way.
“Being a woman in politics changes the way you move throughout the world.”
At the time of writing, Dr Haines remained in a critical condition in hospital.
