In brief
In Wangaratta, Victoria, 65‑year‑old MP Helen Haines was struck twice by a vehicle allegedly operated by 43‑year‑old Brendan Nugent, an environmental activist. The attacker was charged with dangerous driving, intentional serious injury and a federal offence involving a public official. Haines survived surgery but remains in critical condition, having lost a leg. Nugent’s father and partner described the MP as a “family friend” and pledged support to police. Authorities say the incident appears isolated, with police quickly responding and searching a nearby property.
In the early hours of Monday, 65‑year‑old independent MP Helen Haines was struck twice by a vehicle outside her Wangaratta office. The alleged driver, 43‑year‑old environmental activist Brendan Nugent, has been charged with dangerous driving, causing serious injury, and the federal offence of harming a public official.
Haines required emergency surgery in Melbourne. Doctors are fighting to save her remaining leg, but she has already gone through one. The incident has shocked the community, where locals have left flowers and candles in her honour.
Nugent’s father, Rod Nugent, and partner Christine Cunningham described the MP as a “family friend” of more than 20 years, and pledged to assist Victoria Police. Police say they were on scene within eight seconds of the call, and a property search in Tarrawingee was conducted shortly after charging statements were released.
Police maintain that, so far, this appears to be an isolated incident with no other known threats. They will maintain a presence in Wangaratta to ensure community safety.
She won the seat of Indi in 2019 as an independent and has become known for building bridges across Australia’s divided political landscape. Her office was closed when the attack occurred, and traffic on Wangaratta’s main street has since reopened, lined with wreaths in her memory.
