The condition of Indi MP Helen Haines has improved from critical to serious but stable, the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne said on Saturday. Ms Haines was struck by a vehicle outside her electorate office in Wangaratta on Monday. Police allege the incident was a deliberate attack by 43-year-old Brendan Nugent, who faces multiple charges. Ms Haines lost both legs, and her husband Phil Haines said he was grateful her heart and mind were in good shape. Save the Children Australia said more than $1 million had been donated in her honour.
Staff of independent MP Helen Haines say they are devastated and that being close to the incident has been deeply traumatic for the team. Haines remains in a critical condition at Melbourne's Alfred Hospital, and her husband Phil says she is alive and stable. Brendan Nugent has been charged over the incident, which police allege happened outside her electorate office in Wangaratta on Monday afternoon. Nugent did not apply for bail and remains in custody. His next court appearance is set for 4 February 2027.
Police say further serious charges, including attempted murder, may be laid against a Victorian man over the alleged attack on Indi MP Helen Haines. Brendan Nugent, 43, faces three charges, including intentionally causing serious injury. Ms Haines, 65, remains in hospital in a critical but stable condition. Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said the attack was a deliberate but isolated act, and that investigators are examining the motive. AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett said there has been an increase in unlawful behaviour towards parliamentarians.
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Indi MP Dr Helen Haines is in critical condition after she was struck by a vehicle outside her electorate office in Wangaratta, and sources say she lost a leg. The 65-year-old was flown to the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne, where she underwent surgery overnight. Police allege the SUV made a U-turn, hit her, reversed and struck her again. A 43-year-old Tarrawingee man was arrested and may face charges of causing harm to a Commonwealth public official. Authorities have not established a motive or any link to Dr Haines, and the AFP says no known threats are connected.
Independent MP Helen Haines, 65, is in hospital in a critical condition after being struck by a car outside her electoral office in Wangaratta. Police say a 43-year-old man from Tarrawingee was arrested at the scene and a knife was seized from the vehicle. Police are investigating whether the incident was intentional and have said they are not aware of any prior links between the two. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Victorian Premier Ben Carroll have expressed shock and wished Dr Haines a full recovery. Police say they are treating the incident as isolated.
Independent MP Helen Haines has been critically injured in what Prime Minister Anthony Albanese describes as an attack outside her electoral office in Wangaratta. She was struck by a car on Murphy Street on Monday afternoon. A 43-year-old man from Tarrawingee has been taken into custody. Police seized a knife from the vehicle. Police say it is not yet known whether the pair knew each other. Albanese said the motive is not known and it is too early to speculate.
