Man Charged Over Alleged Car Attack on MP Helen Haines

A 43-year-old man has been charged with three counts after allegedly striking independent MP Helen Haines with his car on Monday.

Brendan Nugent was arrested by police on Monday and charged with dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury, and the federal offence of causing harm to a Commonwealth public official.

Charges and Court Appearance

He is due to appear in the Wangaratta Magistrates' Court today. The incident occurred outside Ms Haines' electorate office in Victoria's north-east, where she was pinned between two cars.

According to Victoria Police, officers will allege the incident was targeted.

Ms Haines' Condition

Ms Haines, 65, suffered critical lower-body injuries and was flown to The Alfred hospital in Melbourne. A statement confirmed she has lost one leg and doctors are fighting to save the other.

Community Reaction

Parliamentary colleagues and members of the community have expressed their shock and support for Ms Haines, who has been the member for Indi since 2019.

Family members of Mr Nugent released a statement, saying "all of our love and all of our thoughts are with Helen and her family and friends".

In the statement, Mr Nugent's father Rod Nugent and Rod's partner Christine Cunningham said Ms Haines had been their friend for more than 20 years and Monday's events were "devastating and unfathomable".

"Helen Haines is a deeply respected, valued and much loved member of our local community," the statement said.

"We would like to sincerely thank members of the local community and police who came to Helen's aid yesterday after the shocking and horrific crime."

"We will be assisting Victoria Police in any way we can."