In too many ways, the world is a more dangerous and divided place than it was a generation ago.

And often as Australians when we see political violence elsewhere we take pride and comfort in the idea that our democracy is different

More peaceful, more stable, more respectful.

This is why the horrific attack on Helen Haines has so shocked our nation.

This was an attack on a hardworking, intelligent and thoroughly decent woman who is beloved in her community – and respected across the Parliament.

KIERAN GILBERT, HOST: It's been a very tough week for the town of Wangaratta, for the Parliament of the nation, and of course, for the family of Helen Haines as she continues to fight for her life in a Melbourne hospital. To discuss this and all the ramifications of this alleged act of violence against an MP, let's bring in Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. PM, thanks very much for your time. Have you got an update on Helen today?

RAF EPSTEIN, HOST: The Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joins us on the line. Good morning, PM.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good morning, Raf. Good to be with you.

EPSTEIN: Have you spoken to Helen Haines or Helen Haines’ family recently, yesterday or today?

I begin by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which we meet and I pay my respects to their elders past, present and emerging.

Thank you to Neary Ty for the warm introduction.

I acknowledge the Premier of Victoria, my friend Ben Carroll.

Ben takes a huge amount of pride in his city and his state.

He knows the suburbs and the regions, and he advocates and delivers for them.

Ben and his Government believe in this great state, and in its ability to continue to grow and thrive and lead the nation into the future, right across the board.

JAMES GLENDAY, HOST: We are now joined by the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, who is in Sydney for us this morning. Prime Minister, welcome back to News Breakfast.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good morning, James.

GLENDAY: Really appreciate you making time for us. Is there anything at all you can tell us about the state of this investigation and also the condition of Helen Haines?

PETER STEFANOVIC, HOST: Prime Minister, good to have you with us this morning. Thanks for your time. Do you have any more information on the attack this morning?

SYLVIA JEFFREYS, HOST:  It is being described as one of the darkest days in Australian political history. Federal Independent MP Helen Haines struck by a car outside her electorate office in Wangaratta, Victoria, in what's suspected to be a targeted attack.

DAVID WOIWOD, HOST: Joining us now is Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Good morning to you, Prime Minister. Of course, our thoughts are with Helen Haines and her family this morning. Do you have any update on her condition?

SARAH FERGUSON, HOST: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joins me now in the studio. Prime Minister, welcome.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good evening.

FERGUSON: What's the very latest you know about Helen and how she is?

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good evening. Tonight, I want to update Australians on a serious incident that has occurred in Victoria. This afternoon, Helen Haines, the Member for Indi, was attacked outside her electorate office in Wangaratta. All of our thoughts are with Helen, her family, her friends, her team, and her community at this extremely difficult time. We are praying for her full recovery. I want to thank the first responders for their extraordinary work. There is a major police investigation underway, and I can confirm that a suspect is in custody.