Australian MP Helen Haines loses both legs after alleged vehicle attack
publishers 26articles 28first reported 20 Oct, 15:15 UTCdeveloping since 20 Oct · 9 editions
Australian independent MP Helen Haines has had both legs amputated after she was allegedly deliberately struck by a vehicle outside her electorate office in Wangaratta, northeast of Melbourne.
Her husband, Phil Haines, said doctors amputated her left leg after Monday’s attack and later were unable to save her right leg. He said she was alive and in stable condition, adding that her recovery would be “long and difficult” but that “her heart and her mind are in good shape.”
Police arrested 43-year-old Brendan Nugent shortly after he allegedly drove a Toyota LandCruiser into Haines. He appeared in court Wednesday charged with dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury and causing harm to a Commonwealth public official. Court filings also listed charges of cultivating and possessing cannabis.
Nugent did not apply for bail and is due to return to court in February. His lawyer told the court that he had mental health concerns and a rare neurological condition, idiopathic transverse myelitis. Police said additional charges, including attempted murder, could be filed.
Victoria Police and the Australian Federal Police are investigating. Authorities said the alleged attack appeared deliberate, but they have not established a motive and had received no prior intelligence indicating a threat to Haines. Investigators are examining whether drugs or medication played a role and whether Nugent had any personal connection to the MP.
Haines, a former nurse, midwife and academic, was elected in 2019 to represent the rural seat of Indi and retained it in 2022 and 2025.
HOW THIS STORY WAS MADE
Written from 8 articles, 3 with the publisher's own text; 7 independent newsrooms once syndicated copies count as one; this version written 48 h after the record first saw the story; the editor kept it as written.
- Publishers
- 26
- Source articles
- 28
- Given to the writer
- 8, 3 with the article's own text
- Independent newsrooms
- 7
- This version written
- 48 h after the record first saw the story
- Second model (editor)
- kept as written
- Publication gate
- passed
- Human review
- none
WHAT THE EDITOR DID
The second model checked the writer's draft against the same sources and published it as written.
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