Who is Helen Haines, the MP allegedly attacked in Victoria?

Condemnation across political spectrum after incident in Wangaratta, as Nationals MP from nearby electorate says Haines not a divisive figure'

• Deeply appalled': politicians condemn alleged attack after independent MP Helen Haines critically injured

Dr Helen Haines, the popular independent MP for Indi, was hit by a car on Monday in what prime minister Anthony Albanese described as an attack" and a deliberate act".

The incident has sent shockwaves through federal politics, with the bombshell of the apparent attack - of a type not seen in Australian public life - amplified by the fact it targeted Haines, a principled politician who is well-respected by virtually all across the parliament.