Helen Haines has both legs amputated after alleged car attack; suspect charged

Independent MP Helen Haines is in a critical but stable condition in hospital in Melbourne after she was struck by a car outside her electorate office in Wangaratta, Victoria, on Monday afternoon. Her husband, Phil Haines, said both of her legs have been amputated. She lost her left leg on Monday and surgeons later had to remove her right leg. He said she is alive and stable, and that her heart and mind are in good shape, but warned her recovery will be long and difficult.

The 65-year-old mother of three, who has represented the federal seat of Indi since 2019, was taking items from the boot of her car when she was hit by a white Toyota Land Cruiser. The Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, said the incident was not an accident and appeared to be a deliberate act. Police have described the attack as targeted and isolated, and say they do not have intelligence of any ongoing threat to the public. The federal police, Victoria Police and ASIO are working together, and the joint counter-terrorism team has been activated. Police have not established a motive.

According to accounts given by ministers and police, the suspect allegedly hit Ms Haines, did a U-turn and struck her again, leaving her pinned between two vehicles. A knife was found in the car. A local barber, Ricky Jeffries, ran to help, took the knife from the suspect and held him until police arrived. Other bystanders also came to her aid. The vehicle remained part of an active crime scene in the centre of Wangaratta.

The suspect was named as 43-year-old Brendan Nugent, a local man and environmental activist from a small village outside Wangaratta. His family said they had been friends with Ms Haines for more than 20 years and described what happened as devastating and unfathomable. Reports said he had complained of chronic pain and being broke, and that he had an activist background on climate, forestry and Gaza. Police said they had no intelligence holdings against him before the incident.

Mr Nugent has been charged with dangerous driving, intentionally causing serious injury and causing harm to a Commonwealth public official. He also faced a cannabis charge after police searched his home, and police have not ruled out further charges, including attempted murder. He appeared briefly in court, where his lawyer raised mental health concerns and said he had a neurological condition and concussion. He did not enter a plea, did not apply for bail and was remanded in custody. His next appearance is expected in February.

The attack has prompted vigils and floral tributes in Wangaratta, a rural community about three hours from Melbourne. Politicians from across the spectrum expressed shock and praised Ms Haines, a former midwife and anti-corruption campaigner. Fellow independent MP Zali Steggall described her as the best of us. The King's representative in Australia said King Charles had been kept up to date. The case has also intensified debate about threats to politicians, political rhetoric, online hate and security for MPs, especially women. Victoria is due to hold state elections next month.