Australian MP loses both legs after alleged car attack, husband says
News Source
β’Wed, 21 Oct 2026 07:56:30 GMT
π° What Happened
Australian MP Helen Haines has lost both legs after a car hit her outside her office, her husband says. Phil Haines said she was badly hurt but that 'her heart and her mind are in good shape', and that she is alive.
The alleged driver, 43-year-old Brendan Nugent, appeared in court on Wednesday. He faces charges including intentionally causing serious injury. Police say more charges, such as attempted murder, may follow.
π The Backstory
The crash happened on Monday afternoon in Wangaratta, about 240km north-east of Melbourne. Bystanders pulled Nugent from his Toyota LandCruiser and used a tourniquet to slow the bleeding. Haines was flown to Melbourne for surgery.
Police say Nugent was not known to them and there was no warning of a threat. His lawyers raised mental health concerns. He did not ask for bail and will return to court in February.
π― Why It Matters
The case has started a debate about how well Australia protects its politicians, and what security 226 federal MPs should get.
Australian MP Helen Haines has lost both legs after a car hit her outside her office, her husband says. Phil Haines said she was badly hurt but that 'her heart and her mind are in good shape', and that she is alive.
The alleged driver, 43-year-old Brendan Nugent, appeared in court on Wednesday. He faces charges including intentionally causing serious injury. Police say more charges, such as attempted murder, may follow.
The crash happened on Monday afternoon in Wangaratta, about 240km north-east of Melbourne. Bystanders pulled Nugent from his Toyota LandCruiser and used a tourniquet to slow the bleeding. Haines was flown to Melbourne for surgery.
Police say Nugent was not known to them and there was no warning of a threat. His lawyers raised mental health concerns. He did not ask for bail and will return to court in February.
The case has started a debate about how well Australia protects its politicians, and what security 226 federal MPs should get.