WorldPosted at: Oct 21 2026 10:44PM


Australian MP Helen Haines' legs amputated after catastrophic car attack

Melbourne, Oct 21 (UNI) Helen Haines, an independent Australian MP, has lost both her legs after being struck by a car in what authorities believe was a deliberate attack, her husband has confirmed.
Phil Haines described the incident as "horrendous", saying his wife had suffered significant injuries but remained mentally alert.
"Her heart and her mind are in good shape," he told reporters at a press conference in Melbourne, where she is receiving treatment. "The good news in all this is that she's alive."
He said her recovery would be long and difficult but expressed confidence in her determination to recover with the support of her family.
"She is a determined person who will do her best, with our support and love, to recover. And that is what we hope for," he said.
Haines, the independent MP for the regional seat of Indi in Victoria, was struck on Monday afternoon outside her electorate office in Wangaratta, about 240km north-east of Melbourne.
The alleged attacker, 43-year-old Brendan Nugent, was arrested moments after reportedly driving his Toyota Land Cruiser into her. He appeared before a local court on Wednesday, facing three charges: dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury, and causing harm to a Commonwealth public official.
Police said further charges, potentially including attempted murder, could follow. Nugent did not apply for bail and is due to return to court in February. Court documents also show he faces charges relating to the cultivation and possession of cannabis.
Nugent remained silent during his brief court appearance. His lawyer told the court that he had "mental health concerns", without providing further details. The court also heard that he has a rare neurological condition, idiopathic transverse myelitis, which involves inflammation of the spinal cord.
Victoria Police, assisted by the Australian Federal Police, said the investigation was continuing and that a motive had yet to be established.
"His motivation for this — what we allege is a deliberate attack — is very much a centrepiece of the investigation," Victoria Police Commissioner Mike Bush said. "Our people will continue to explore every element, angle and avenue to work that out."
Police said Nugent had not previously been on their radar and there had been no intelligence indicating a threat to Haines before the incident. Investigators are examining whether drugs or medication played a role and whether there was a personal connection between the two.
Nugent's family said they had been friends with Haines for years, describing the alleged attack as "devastating and unfathomable".
Bystanders intervened shortly after the collision, pulling Nugent from the vehicle and detaining him. Jacob and Jackie Evans were among the first to help Haines as she lay seriously injured.
"She was thanking us, it was incredible," Jackie told Nine's Today programme, recalling Haines saying, "Thank you, you lovely people," according to the Herald Sun. Jacob used a tourniquet from a medical kit in his car to help control bleeding from one of her legs.
Haines underwent surgery after the incident. Her husband said she initially lost one leg before losing the other by Wednesday morning.
The attack has shocked Wangaratta and Australia's political community, where violence against elected representatives remains uncommon. Haines was first elected in 2019 and is well regarded by colleagues across the political spectrum.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he had spoken to Phil Haines several times since the incident. In an interview with national broadcaster ABC, he said threats against female politicians often involved a distinct form of abuse and aggression, including threats of rape.
Police have also reported a recent rise in threats against senior officeholders, with almost one person a week being charged with offences of this kind.
The incident has renewed debate about security arrangements for federal MPs. Federal police said providing individual protection to all 226 federal parliamentarians would require "incredible" staffing levels. Instead, decisions on close personal protection are based on an individual's role and the threats they face.
Governor-General Sam Mostyn, who appeared alongside Phil Haines at the press conference, urged Australians to respond with greater compassion.
"This is a moment for us to pause, and to choose to be better," she said. "Most importantly, that we learn or re-learn to exercise our muscle of decency."

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