Australian Lawmaker Helen Haines Loses Both Legs After SUV Attack
A 43-year-old man has been charged in the incident, which police are investigating.
Australian federal lawmaker Helen Haines has had both legs amputated after being struck by an SUV in what her husband described as an apparent act of political violence. The 65-year-old independent politician is in critical condition and receiving treatment at a Melbourne hospital.
Phil Haines, her husband, stated that her left leg was amputated on Monday, the day of the incident, and her right leg was amputated on Wednesday after doctors determined it could not be saved. "The good news in all this is that Helen is alive and she’s stable," he told reporters. He added that their 40th wedding anniversary is in November.
The incident occurred in Haines' hometown of Wangaratta when she was hit by a Toyota Land Cruiser SUV. Witnesses reported that the driver rammed Haines, pinning her against her own car before reversing and striking her a second time.
Brendan Nugent, a 43-year-old man from nearby Tarrawingee, appeared in Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday. He faces charges including intentionally causing serious injury, dangerous driving causing serious injury, and causing harm to a federal official. Nugent did not apply for bail and entered no plea; he will remain in custody until his next court appearance in February. Police have not yet determined a motive for the attack.
Nugent's lawyer indicated that his client may be experiencing mental health issues and a concussion, and also suffers from idiopathic transverse myelitis, a rare neurological condition that affects the spinal cord. The lawyer did not specify how Nugent sustained a concussion.
The attack has raised concerns about the accessibility and security of Australian politicians, who are typically not accompanied by security details and maintain public accessibility. Senior opposition lawmaker James Paterson called for a review of parliamentary security, noting that while public accessibility is a strength of Australian democracy, such attacks could alter it fundamentally if politicians face serious risks.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urged lawmakers to continue engaging openly with the public, emphasizing the importance of that interaction in a democracy, while also assuring that security measures are being maximized.