Driver charged after Australian politician struck by car outside office

Tributes and flowers are placed outside the electoral office for independent member of parliament Helen Haines in Wangaratta (James Ross/AAPImage via AP/PA)

Police have charged a driver with intentionally causing serious injury to an Australian federal lawmaker who is a critical condition after being struck by a car.

A police statement on Tuesday said Brendan Nugent was charged with intentionally causing serious injury, dangerous driving causing serious injury and causing harm to a federal official.

Helen Haines, a 65-year-old independent politician, is in hospital in a critical but stable condition after being struck by a car outside her office in the city of Wangaratta in Victorian state on Monday, police said.