Independent MP Helen Haines is in serious but stable condition at Melbourne’s Alfred hospital after losing both legs in an alleged attack near her Victorian electorate office on Monday, according to a hospital spokesperson’s update on Saturday morning reported by Guardian World.
Haines, the federal MP for the Victorian seat of Indi, was struck by a car in Wangaratta on Monday afternoon, according to Guardian World. Both of her legs were amputated after surgeons tried to save her right leg. The attack is described only as alleged in the available reporting.
Police have charged Brendan Nugent, 43, from Tarrawingee, with dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury, and causing harm to a commonwealth public official, according to Guardian World. Police later added charges of cultivating and possessing cannabis, according to court documents cited by Guardian World.
Nugent appeared at Wangaratta magistrates court on Wednesday and did not apply for bail, according to Guardian World. The sources do not report how he pleaded, and there is no statement from police or from Nugent or his lawyer in the available material.
Haines’s husband, Phil Haines, said at the Alfred on Wednesday that "both her heart and her mind are in good shape," according to Guardian World. Haines’s staff said more than $730,000 had been raised for Save the Children in her honour after her husband urged donations, also according to Guardian World. That figure comes from her staff and has not been confirmed by Save the Children or an independent source.
Haines’s staff said on Friday that they were working to reopen her electorate offices next Thursday, and that the incident had deeply affected her family and staff. A community vigil was held for Haines in Wodonga on Wednesday. The incident has also prompted discussion of political debate, security risks for MPs and regional Victorian mental health services.
Separately, WA Police have charged a 56-year-old man after he allegedly threatened staff and wielded nunchucks at the electoral office of WA local government minister Hannah Beazley, days after the attack on Haines. No further detail on those charges, including any outcome or court dates, has been given.
Nugent’s case is before the courts, and no next court date has been reported. Only one source, Guardian World, was available for the key facts, so no second outlet confirms the hospital update, the charges or the fundraising figure. Haines’s recovery continues at The Alfred.
Sources
This article was written with AI assistance from the published reporting listed above. It is part of the World Brief daily news podcast.