Australian MP Helen Haines has had both legs amputated after being hit by a car in what police are treating as an alleged targeted attack. Her husband, Phil Haines, said she was “alive and stable.” The incident happened in Wangaratta, Victoria, at 3.30pm on Monday. Haines, 65, was taking items from the boot of her car when a Toyota Land Cruiser SUV struck her. Haines represents the Victorian electorate of Indi as an independent member of parliament. She was first elected in 2019 and has since won re-election twice. Surgeons amputated her left leg on Monday. They tried to save her right leg but amputated it on Wednesday, her husband said at a press conference.
Phil Haines told reporters that his wife remained alive and stable. He said her family was grateful that she had survived. He described her as compassionate, caring and supportive of people around her, and praised her intellect and desire to understand events. The report, “Australian MP hit by car has both legs amputated but is ‘alive and stable’, husband says,” has drawn attention to the severity of the incident and the investigation. Police have charged Brendan Nugent, from Tarrawingee, over the incident. The charges include intentionally causing serious injury, dangerous driving causing serious injury, and causing harm to a federal official. The court will examine these allegations through the legal process.
Nugent appeared at Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday. He did not apply for bail or enter a plea. He is expected to remain in custody until his next court appearance in February. Court documents also show that Nugent faces charges relating to cultivating and possessing cannabis. His lawyer told the court that he may have mental health issues and a concussion. The Australian Federal Police, the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation and Victoria Police are investigating the incident. Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said investigators had not ruled out further serious charges. He did not provide details about the suspect’s possible motive. Emergency teams took Haines to a hospital in Wangaratta after the attack. They later flew her to Melbourne for further treatment.
The focus remains on Haines’s condition and the police investigation. Her husband’s statement provides the family’s latest public update, while further details may emerge as the legal process continues.
