A 65-year-old Australian politician, Helen Haines, remains in critical condition after being struck by a car in what police allege was a targeted attack. The incident occurred outside her office in Wangaratta, Victoria, on Monday, October 19. Haines, an independent member of parliament, lost a leg and underwent surgery overnight.
Brendan Nugent, a 43-year-old man from nearby Tarrawingee, has been charged with intentionally injuring Haines. He is due to appear in court in Wangaratta on Wednesday. Police allege the attack was deliberate, with Nugent’s family stating they have known Haines for over 20 years.
Haines was hit by a Toyota Land Cruiser at around 3:35 pm local time. She was taken to hospital in critical condition and remains stable. The attack has raised concerns about political safety in the region.
This is not the first incident involving Haines. She had previously been involved in a controversial political dispute, which led to her losing her seat in 2022. The current attack has sparked calls for increased security for public officials.
Authorities are investigating the motive behind the attack, with no official statement yet on whether it was politically motivated. Nugent’s family has expressed shock at the incident, describing Haines as a family friend. The case is expected to be closely watched by both local and national media.
