A 43-year-old man has been charged after Australian independent MP Helen Haines was allegedly struck twice by a car outside her office in Wangaratta, Victoria, leaving her in critical condition and reportedly resulting in the loss of one leg.
Key Highlights
- A 43-year-old man has been charged after independent MP Helen Haines was allegedly struck twice by a car in Wangaratta, Victoria.
- Haines, 65, is in a critical but stable condition and reportedly lost one leg.
- Charges include dangerous driving causing serious injury and causing harm to a Commonwealth public official.
- Local media identified the accused as environmental activist Brendan Nugent.
- Police say the incident appears isolated, with no other known threats.
The suspect is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday to face charges of dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury and causing harm to a public official under federal law.
The alleged attack occurred on Monday, October 19, 2026, prompting shock across the local community and renewed concern over the safety of public officials.
Haines, 65, who represents the federal electorate of Indi, was airlifted to a Melbourne hospital after bystanders rushed to help her at the scene. She underwent surgery and was reported to be in a critical but stable condition.
According to reports by Australia’s national broadcaster, ABC, the driver allegedly made a U-turn before hitting Haines, then reversed and struck her a second time. She was reportedly trapped between two vehicles, with doctors fighting to save her remaining leg.
Suspect’s Family Speaks
Local media identified the accused as environmental activist Brendan Nugent.
In a statement, Nugent’s father, Rod Nugent, and his partner, Christine Cunningham, said they had been friends with Haines for more than 20 years and expressed their support for the injured lawmaker and her family.
“Helen Haines is a deeply respected, valued and much loved member of our local community,” they said, adding that they would assist Victoria Police with its investigation.
They also thanked residents and officers who intervened following what they described as a shocking and horrific crime.
Bystanders Intervene
Among those who helped was local barber Ricky Jefferies, who told reporters that he pulled the suspect from the vehicle and held him until police arrived, adding that the driver had a knife.
Jefferies said several people intervened despite the potential danger, with some attempting to assist while the vehicle was still running.
Victoria Police said a highway patrol unit was nearby when the incident occurred and arrived at the scene within a minute of receiving the call.
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Officers also searched a property in nearby Tarrawingee as part of the investigation.
Police said preliminary findings suggested the incident was isolated, adding that there were no other known threats connected to the case. Authorities said they would maintain a presence in Wangaratta.
Haines was elected as the independent member for Indi in 2019 and has since emerged as a prominent crossbench politician, known for building relationships across Australia’s divided political landscape.
Community Holds Vigil
Following the incident, residents gathered to pay tribute to her, leaving flowers and messages outside her office on Wangaratta’s main street.
At a vigil held on Tuesday, community members gathered at a cathedral to light candles and offer prayers for her recovery.
One message left among the flowers read: “May you recover quickly and continue to be a light in this world.”
The investigation and court proceedings are expected to establish further details surrounding the alleged attack.
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