Australian Lawmaker Suffers Double Amputation After Alleged Political Attack
Independent federal lawmaker Helen Haines remains in critical condition after being hit by a car; a man has been charged.
Doctors have amputated both legs of Australian federal lawmaker Helen Haines, who is in critical condition after being repeatedly struck by a car in what her husband described as an apparent act of political violence. The 65-year-old independent politician was flown to a Melbourne hospital for treatment.
Haines' husband, Phil Haines, 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. That is the most important thing for our family," he told reporters.
The alleged attack occurred in Wangaratta when a Toyota Land Cruiser SUV reportedly struck Haines multiple times. Witnesses stated the driver pinned her against her own car before reversing and striking her again.
A 43-year-old man, Brendan Nugent, appeared in Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, facing 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 will remain in custody until his next court appearance in February. Police have not yet determined a motive.
Nugent's lawyer indicated that his client may have mental health issues and had sustained a concussion. The lawyer also mentioned Nugent suffers from a rare neurological condition known as idiopathic transverse myelitis, which affects the spinal cord.
The incident has sent shockwaves through Australia, where political violence is uncommon and lawmakers are typically highly accessible to the public without security details.
In response, some have called for a review of security measures for lawmakers. Senior opposition lawmaker James Paterson suggested that while the accessibility of politicians is a positive aspect of Australian democracy, it cannot come at the risk of such attacks. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urged lawmakers to continue engaging openly with the public, emphasizing that steps are being taken to maximize security while preserving democratic interaction.