Other media have confirmed that Dr Haines has lost a leg and the man who has been arrested over the incident has been named as 43-year-old Brendan Nugent.
Dr Haines’ nearby electorate of Indi covers Benalla, Euroa, Wangaratta and Wodonga and sits inside the Victorian state upper house electoral region of Northern Victoria.
Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell said he was shocked and saddened by the attack.
Mr Birrell said Dr Haines was a friend and a colleague and they had always got along well, having catch-ups in their offices to discuss issues.
“We always have a constructive discussion,” Mr Birrell said.
“I have a great deal of respect for her as a parliamentarian.
“We’re always passing in the hall and saying hello in the chamber.”
Mr Birrell also expressed his concern for the increasingly divisive rhetoric that could have contributed to the attack and encouraged the community to consider what they say.
“Take a pause, think before you post online or contact your local representative and ask yourself ‘what is the tone of this?’,” he said.
“The only way we can keep this beautiful society is through our peaceful democracy.”
Mr Birrell spoke to Dr Haines in Canberra less than a week before the attack.
State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland represents many of the same communities as Dr Haines and said she was appalled by the attack.
“Violence is never the answer,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Our elected representatives must be able to serve their communities and stand in their own main streets without fear.
“There is no place for this in our community or anywhere in Australia.”
Ms Cleeland praised Dr Haines as a kind and genuine person who advocated tirelessly for their region.
State Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said she was thinking of Dr Haines’ family and her team and thanked emergency services for their response and ongoing efforts.
State Member for Northern Victoria Georgie Purcell said Dr Haines was a powerhouse who was adored by her community, and identified how violence was especially a concern for women.
“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,” Ms Purcell said.
“Being a woman in politics changes the way you move throughout the world.
“We consider where we park our cars, the route we drive home, if we hold public events or keep our office door locked.
“Only weeks ago I spoke in parliament about the escalating safety fears of women in public life — just as I have countless times before.”
State Member for Shepparton Kim O’Keeffe and Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell both expressed their hope for Dr Haines’ recovery.
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