Putrid

EDITORIAL STATEMENT 

Australia is reeling from an absolutely putrid act of senseless violence in regional Victoria yesterday afternoon.

The Federal Independent MP for Indi, Helen Haines, is in a critical condition after being struck by a car outside her electorate office in Wangaratta, Victoria, at about 3.35pm on Monday. It was not an accident.

The defenceless 65 year old woman was attacked in her own community, in what is being alleged to be a politically targeted act of violence.

She was airlifted to Alfred Hospital in Melbourne where she underwent surgery over night, with the nation praying, hoping and wishing for the best outcome possible for the former nurse and much loved community leader.

A local barber has been praised for stepping in to apprehend the alleged attacker, and other community members and first responders have been praised for their efforts in the incredibly traumatic incident.

The Betoota Advocate's thoughts are with Haines, her family and all those effected by the horrific, putrid incident.