Helen Haines was chatting with locals at a dog park on Monday morning. By the afternoon, she was fighting for her life

Key points

• Independent MP Helen Haines is in critical condition after an alleged attack outside her electorate office in Wangaratta on Monday afternoon. Police understand the alleged attacker is known to authorities.
• Haines was unpacking a car at 3.35pm when a car struck her. She underwent surgery.
• Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the government will act on advice from security officials. Recorded threats against politicians rose to more than 1,067 last financial year, according to figures released by Albanese and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke.