Australian MP Helen Haines loses both legs after alleged car attack

Helen Haines, the independent Australian MP for the Victorian seat of Indi, has lost both legs after a car struck her outside her electorate office in Wangaratta, about 240km (150 miles) northeast of Melbourne, at around 15.35 local time on Monday. Her husband, Phil Haines, confirmed the second amputation on Wednesday.

Phil Haines told a press conference in Melbourne, where his wife is being treated, that the incident had caused significant injuries but that “her heart and her mind are in good shape”. He said: “The good news in all this is that she’s alive.” Haines underwent surgery after the collision and lost one leg; by Wednesday morning the other had also been amputated.

What charges does Brendan Nugent face?

Brendan Nugent, 43, a local from the nearby town of Tarrawingee, appeared in Wangaratta 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, including attempted murder, may be laid. Nugent did not apply for bail and is due back in court in February. Court documents show he was also charged with cultivating and possessing cannabis.

Nugent’s lawyer told the court his client had “mental health concerns” without giving further detail, and the court heard Nugent has idiopathic transverse myelitis, a rare neurological condition caused by inflammation of the spinal cord. Nugent remained silent and emotionless during the brief appearance.

Has a motive been established?

Victoria Police said its investigation, supported by the Australian Federal Police, is ongoing and no motive has been established. Commissioner Mike Bush said the alleged deliberate nature of the attack was central to the inquiry: “His motivation for this – what we allege is a deliberate attack – is very much a centrepiece of the investigation.” Police said Nugent was not on their radar and there was no intelligence of a threat to Haines before the incident. Investigators are examining whether drug use or medication played a part and whether there was any personal connection between Nugent and Haines.

Nugent’s family said in a statement that they were long-time friends of Haines and described the apparent attack as “devastating and unfathomable”. Bystanders pulled Nugent from the vehicle and detained him moments after the collision. Jacob and Jackie Evans, among the first on the scene, said Haines thanked them as she lay injured; Jacob used a tourniquet from a medical kit in his car to help stem bleeding from one of her legs.

What has the reaction been?

Leaders across Australia’s political spectrum paid tribute to Haines, who was first elected in 2019. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he had spoken to her husband several times since the incident and told the ABC that threats to female politicians carried a “different form of vilification and aggression”, including threats of rape. Police said almost one person a week is being charged over threats against high office holders.

The incident has prompted debate over security for MPs. Federal police said individual protection for all 226 federal MPs would require “incredible” staffing levels, and that close personal protection is assessed on a person’s role and the threat environment. Governor-General Sam Mostyn, speaking at the same press conference, said it was “a moment for us to pause, and to choose to be better”.

Phil Haines urged supporters to donate to Save the Children and said: “Please keep sending Helen your love.” He added that her “road to recovery will be long and difficult, but we know she is a fighter”.

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Australian MP Helen Haines?

Helen Haines, the independent MP for Indi, was struck by a Toyota LandCruiser outside her electorate office in Wangaratta on Monday afternoon and has since lost both legs.

What is Brendan Nugent charged with?

Nugent, 43, faces charges of dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury and causing harm to a Commonwealth public official. Police said more charges, including attempted murder, may follow.

Do police know why Helen Haines was attacked?

Victoria Police said no motive has been established and that the alleged deliberate nature of the attack is the centrepiece of the investigation.

When is Brendan Nugent next due in court?

Nugent did not apply for bail and is due to return to court in February.

With reporting from BBC News.

Stock image, not from the events described. Globe World — Jo%E3o%20Silas / Wikimedia Commons (CC0 1.0)