Helen Haines Attack: Brendan Nugent to Face Court as Community Reacts

An update on the condition of independent MP Helen Haines is expected from the hospital treating her today. Meanwhile, 43-year-old Victorian man Brendan Nugent, accused of ramming his white LandCruiser into Ms Haines outside her electoral office, is set to appear in court.

Reactions from Politicians and Community Leaders

Independent MP Allegra Spender says she doesn't think an increase in security will necessarily make parliamentarians safer. "This doesn't just affect politicians, this does affect our nurses, our teachers, the people who work in our supermarkets, the sort of aggression that is now accepted is different and is unacceptable," Spender says.

Nationals leader Matt Canavan disagrees and says no one individual is responsible for the nature of debate. "We can't shy away from the job. We have a serious job we have to do, which does require us at times to engage in robust debate," Canavan says.

Tributes and Condemnation

Michelle Milthorpe, an independent candidate who ran for the seat of Farrer, described Helen Haines as a kind of "fairy godmother" to her. Milthorpe said Haines offered her advice and stressed the importance of community listening.

Respect Victoria CEO Helen Bolton said the agency was "deeply concerned" about the alleged attack on MP Helen Haines. "Violence is never acceptable, and no one should face it for serving their community," Bolton said.

Investigation and Security Measures

Senior figures from the Australian Federal Police and domestic security agency ASIO are set to appear before a parliamentary hearing today. The agencies are also heavily involved in the investigation into Monday's attack on Helen Haines, working with Victoria Police.

Mental health support and additional police officers have been deployed to Wangaratta in the wake of the attack on Helen Haines.