An Australian independent lawmaker, Helen Haines, has had both legs amputated after being struck by a car outside her office in Wangaratta, Victoria state, in what Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called “a deliberate attack”. The MP’s right leg was amputated on Wednesday, two days after her left leg was amputated at a hospital in Melbourne, where the 65-year-old politician has been receiving treatment after being flown by helicopter. That is the most important thing for our family,” her husband, Phil Haines, told reporters outside the Melbourne hospital.
The Australian police said it was a “targeted attack” and warned of growing “online extremism” and recorded a rise in abuse, threats and intimidation targeting lawmakers – steadily growing in a country where political violence has been rare. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has led an outpouring of support for Haines. On Monday, Haines, who entered parliament in 2019, was struck by an SUV in Wangaratta in the afternoon, sending the rural Australian town into a mix of horror and disbelief.
Haines was getting something from the boot of her car when her alleged attacker drove past in a Toyota Land Cruiser. Authorities said the 43-year-old man turned the car around before veering at Haines and pinning her against her vehicle. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the driver then reversed before ramming her again.
Police named the suspect in the attack as Brendan Nugent, who appeared in court on Wednesday but did not apply for bail or enter a plea. He was charged with three offences: dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury, and causing harm to a public official. Additional charges of cannabis cultivation and possession have also been laid against him.
Nugent will remain in custody until his next court appearance in February. The Australian Federal Police received no warning of any imminent danger from the alleged attacker, Commissioner Krissy Barrett told reporters. Victoria Police Chief Mike Bush said the state police could not find any direct past contact between Haines and the accused.
His motivation for this, what we allege is a deliberate attack, is very much a centrepiece of the investigation,” Bush said. Haines entered parliament in 2019 after working as a nurse and midwife, becoming known for stances such as supporting stronger climate action. She retained the rural seat of Indi in 2022 and 2025.
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