Australian police have charged a 43-year-old man over what they allege was a “targeted” car attack on independent MP Helen Haines, who remains in critical condition after being struck twice outside her electorate office in Wangaratta, Victoria.
Brendan Nugent of Tarrawingee was charged on Tuesday evening with dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury, and the Commonwealth offence of causing harm to a Commonwealth public official, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, according to reports. He will appear at Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
A deliberate act
Haines, 65, was getting items from the trunk of her car on Monday afternoon when a Toyota Land Cruiser struck her, according to reports. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the driver made a U-turn to get back to her. “It’s clear this was a deliberate act,” he said. Bystanders rushed to help, and the MP was airlifted to The Alfred hospital in Melbourne, where she underwent emergency surgery.
National broadcaster ABC and the Sydney Morning Herald reported she had lost one leg, with doctors fighting to save the other, according to reports. Victoria Police said they would allege the incident was targeted, though no motive has been established and the investigation remains open.
Soul-searching over MP safety
The attack has prompted national reflection in a country where political violence is rare but where police have documented a steady rise in threats against elected officials, according to reports. In a striking detail, the accused man’s family said they had known Haines for more than 20 years and described her as a family friend. Albanese led an outpouring of support for the MP, widely praised for her work on political transparency and anti-corruption.
Police described her condition as “critical but stable”, with the next hospital update expected on Wednesday morning, according to reports. The case is likely to prompt fresh debate about legislative measures to protect elected officials and the safety of political life in Australia.
