In brief
On Monday, former MP Helen Haines was struck twice by a car outside her office in Wangaratta, Victoria, in what police describe as a targeted assault. The 43‑year‑old suspect, identified as environmental activist Brendan Nugent, has been charged with dangerous driving, intentional injury and a federal offence for harming a public official. Haines is now critically wounded, having lost a leg, and will remain in the hospital as her treatment continues. Police say the attack was isolated, with no other threats identified, and they have increased security presence in the area.
A 43‑year‑old environmental activist, Brendan Nugent, was arrested after he deliberately hit former MP Helen Haines twice with a vehicle outside her Wangaratta office on Monday.
Police have charged Nugent with dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentional causing serious injury and the federal offence of causing harm to a public official. He is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday.
Haines, 65, has undergone emergency surgery in Melbourne, during which a leg was amputated. Doctors say she is in a critical yet stable condition.
The incident was described by Victoria Police as a targeted attack. A highway patrol unit was on site within eight seconds of the call and a search was conducted at a property 12km from Wangaratta.
Community members have gathered with flowers and candles outside Haines’s office, and many residents praised the quick response of after‑care volunteers. Nugent’s father and partner insist he is a family friend, while the local police remain on high alert.
