Australian independent lawmaker Helen Haines has lost both legs after being struck by a car in what police describe as a “targeted” attack.
The 65-year-old politician remains in stable condition at a hospital in Melbourne after the incident near her office in Wangaratta, Victoria.
Her husband, Phil Haines, confirmed the amputation while speaking to journalists at the hospital.
“But the good news in all this is Helen is alive, and she’s stable. That is the most important thing for our family,” he said.
He described his wife as a compassionate and caring person, adding that her heart and mind remained the most important parts of her to the family.
Police have charged 43-year-old Brendan Nugent over the alleged attack. He faces charges of dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury and harming a public official, a federal offence carrying a maximum prison sentence of 10 years.
Court documents also list charges of cultivating a cannabis plant and possessing the drug.
Nugent appeared before a court in Wangaratta but did not apply for bail. His next hearing is scheduled for next year.
The motive for the incident remains unknown, with authorities investigating several possible leads, including reports that the suspect may have held radical anti-government views.
Victoria Police Commissioner Mike Bush said investigators were examining the suspect’s social media activity and speaking to witnesses, friends and colleagues.
“Like everyone, we’re examining social media associations, talking to witnesses, friends and colleagues,” he said.
Bush added that authorities had no intelligence suggesting the suspect posed an immediate threat before the incident.
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett warned of growing online hostility towards elected officials.
“The current criminal threat environment is febrile, and when it comes to federal parliamentarians, the AFP continues to record the growing volume of online abuse, threatening rhetoric and intimidation,” she said.
The attack has renewed concerns about political violence in Australia, where such incidents remain rare but threats against elected representatives have increased in recent years.
Governor-General Sam Mostyn called for greater civility in public debate, saying Australians were yearning for “kindness and care”.
“They’re asking us why we’ve lost the great skill of disagreeing well,” she said.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also condemned the increasingly personal nature of political debate and expressed support for Haines, who is known for advocating greater transparency in government and stronger action against corruption.
“It’s a reminder that the world is a more dangerous and divided place than it was a generation ago,” Albanese told ABC Melbourne radio.
He said politicians should be able to carry out ordinary activities without fear of attack.
Haines entered parliament after working as a nurse and midwife. She has also advocated stronger climate action and greater accountability in Australian politics.
