Helen Haines’s condition improves days after losing both legs from alleged attack
News Source
•Sat, 24 Oct 2026 00:41:29 GMT
📰 What Happened
Independent MP Helen Haines is now in a serious but stable condition at Melbourne's Alfred hospital. She lost both legs after an alleged attack near her electorate office in Wangaratta, in north-east Victoria, on Monday afternoon. She had been in a critical but stable condition.
Surgeons tried to save her right leg, but the damage was too severe. Her husband Phil Haines said on Wednesday that "both her heart and her mind are in good shape".
Police have charged Brendan Nugent, 43, of nearby Tarrawingee with dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury, and causing harm to a Commonwealth public official. He also faces cannabis charges and did not apply for bail.
🔍 The Backstory
Haines holds the federal seat of Indi and followed Cathy McGowan, who held it before her. A vigil was held for her in Wodonga on Wednesday evening, and her staff say her offices should reopen next Thursday.
More than $730,000 has been raised for Save the Children in her honour, after her husband asked people to give to the appeal instead of sending flowers.
The case has started a national debate about the safety of MPs, the temperature of political argument and mental health services in regional Victoria. Days later, police in WA charged a man over an incident at another MP's office.
🎯 Why It Matters
Attacks on elected representatives hurt more than one person. This case has pushed a national conversation about MP security, the tone of political debate and mental health care outside the big cities.
Independent MP Helen Haines is now in a serious but stable condition at Melbourne's Alfred hospital. She lost both legs after an alleged attack near her electorate office in Wangaratta, in north-east Victoria, on Monday afternoon. She had been in a critical but stable condition.
Surgeons tried to save her right leg, but the damage was too severe. Her husband Phil Haines said on Wednesday that "both her heart and her mind are in good shape".
Police have charged Brendan Nugent, 43, of nearby Tarrawingee with dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury, and causing harm to a Commonwealth public official. He also faces cannabis charges and did not apply for bail.
Haines holds the federal seat of Indi and followed Cathy McGowan, who held it before her. A vigil was held for her in Wodonga on Wednesday evening, and her staff say her offices should reopen next Thursday.
More than $730,000 has been raised for Save the Children in her honour, after her husband asked people to give to the appeal instead of sending flowers.
The case has started a national debate about the safety of MPs, the temperature of political argument and mental health services in regional Victoria. Days later, police in WA charged a man over an incident at another MP's office.
Attacks on elected representatives hurt more than one person. This case has pushed a national conversation about MP security, the tone of political debate and mental health care outside the big cities.