In brief
In north‑east Victoria, independent MP Helen Haines suffered a deliberate attack at her electorate office that forced both of her legs to be amputated. The 65‑year‑old, a nurse‑turned‑politician, has since moved from a critical outlook to a serious but stable state at the Alfred Hospital. The alleged attacker, 43‑year‑old Brendan Nugent, was arrested shortly after the incident and is facing charges of dangerous driving, intentional injury and assault of a public official, with investigators still probing the motive. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called for calm and dialogue as the investigation continues.
State of Helen Haines improves after alleged attack
The 65‑year‑old independent MP has slipped from a critical illness to a serious but stable condition after a deliberate car attack outside her electorate office in Wangaratta on Monday. The Australian federal police and Victoria Police have confirmed that the incident involved a Toyota LandCruiser that struck Haines, causing severe trauma that required both legs to be amputated.
The MP is now being monitored at the Alfred Hospital, where doctors report the situation as "serious but stable".Brendan Nugent, 43, the alleged perpetrator, was taken into custody moments later and has since appeared in court on three counts: dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentional serious injury, and assault of a Commonwealth public official. Police are exploring additional charges, including attempted murder, as the investigation into the motive continues.
The case drew national attention, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urging Australians to maintain calm and engage in constructive dialogue. Haines, who entered parliament in 2019 after a career as a nurse and midwife, is known for her advocacy on climate action and community health matters.
Family members of Nugent highlighted a longstanding friendship between the two, while investigators continue to examine whether mental health or substance factors played a part. The Australian Federal Police and Victoria Police have confirmed that the probe remains open, with a motive yet to be established.
