The independent MP Helen Haines has lost both legs but remains in a stable condition, two days after an alleged targeted attack near her electorate office in north-east Victoria. Haines, the federal MP for Indi, had been in a critical but stable condition after she was struck by a car in Wangaratta on Monday afternoon. Surgeons were trying to save her right leg on Tuesday, but both legs had to be amputated due to the seriousness of her injuries.
Her husband, Phil Haines, provided an update on his wife’s condition at Melbourne’s Alfred hospital late on Wednesday afternoon. Composed and clear, he said his wife had survived a “horrendous incident” and faced a long road to recovery. And I think when we reflect and talk about and think about Helen, the two most important parts of Helen for us as a family are her heart and her mind.
She is a very compassionate, caring, loving person. Incredibly supportive of all around her – her family, her community, anybody she comes across. She has the sharpest intellect.” Phil Haines described his wife, 65, as a fighter.
The pair have been married for nearly 40 years and have three children and two grandchildren. He became emotional for a moment at the end of the statement, reflecting on his wife’s strength. A special appeal has been launched by the charity.
Police allege Monday’s attack was targeted, and have charged Brendan Nugent with dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury and the commonwealth offence of causing harm to a commonwealth public official. Nugent faced Wangaratta magistrates court earlier on Wednesday. Phil Haines was joined by the governor general, Sam Mostyn.
Mostyn said she had relayed news of the incident to King Charles and praised Helen Haines’s work as a local representative, including her commitment to improving the standards of public discourse in Australia. The incident has sparked calls for changes to politicians’ safety, with security services including the Australian federal police and Asio briefing MPs on the current landscape on Wednesday. Speaking at a vigil in Wodonga on Wednesday evening, Cathy McGowan, who held the seat of Indi before Haines, paid tribute to her friend.
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