Independent MP Helen Haines is now in a serious but stable condition at Melbourne’s Alfred hospital, five days after she was struck by a vehicle outside her electorate office in Wangaratta, north-east Victoria.
The hospital provided the update on Saturday morning, 24 October. Haines had previously been described as being in a critical but stable condition after the incident on Monday, 19 October. She lost both legs because of the severity of her injuries.
Victoria Police have charged Brendan Nugent, 43, of Tarrawingee, over the incident. The charges include dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury and the Commonwealth offence of causing harm to a Commonwealth public official. Court documents also record additional charges relating to cultivating and possessing cannabis. The charges are allegations and have not been proven in court.
Nugent appeared at Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 21 October. He did not apply for bail and was remanded in custody. A committal mention hearing is scheduled for 4 February 2027, according to ABC News reporting on the court proceedings.
A statement shared on Haines’s social media accounts on Friday said her staff were working towards reopening her electorate offices on Thursday, 29 October. It also said the incident had deeply affected her family and staff, including some who witnessed what happened or were among the first to help her. The statement said Haines would take the time she needed to recover.
Haines represents the federal electorate of Indi in north-east Victoria. Police have described the incident as targeted and said it appeared to be isolated, while the investigation and court process continue. No court finding has established the accused’s guilt.
