“A bit lost for words, it’s still sinking in,” Ms Costa said.
“All of our thoughts are with her.
“Nobody should have this happen to them.”
Dr Haines was struck by a vehicle outside her campaign office in Wangaratta on the afternoon of Monday, October 19, in what Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described as a “deliberate act”.
Dr Haines’ federal electorate neighbours the District of Shepparton, the seat Ms Costa hopes to win at the November state election.
Ms Costa said her campaign manager was a friend of Dr Haines.
When asked if she was concerned about her own security, Ms Costa said: “I can’t say I’m not, but there’s just not enough information right now.”
Her team learnt of the news during a campaign meeting and Ms Costa said they found it difficult to continue.
“Very hard to stay on the job at hand when this is going on,” Ms Costa said.
Ms Costa said her campaign was focused on opposing fear and division, and this alleged attack “really brings home what kind of damage that does to our society”.
“We can’t let this sort of thing happen in Australia,” she said.
“We need to remember that we are a kind, compassionate society.”
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