Man charged after Australian MP Helen Haines critically injured by car

Victoria Police charged a 43-year-old man on Tuesday evening after independent MP Helen Haines was critically injured when a vehicle struck her outside her office in Wangaratta. He faces charges of dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury, and causing harm to a Commonwealth public official. Police allege the incident was targeted. [1]

Haines, 65, was struck by a white Toyota LandCruiser outside the Murphy Street office at about 3.35pm on Monday, according to police. A member of the public initially restrained the driver before he was taken into custody. ABC News identifies the accused as Brendan Nugent, from nearby Tarrawingee. He is due to appear at Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday. [1] [3]

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the driver appeared to have made a U-turn after passing Haines as she stood by the boot of her car. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, citing witnesses, said the vehicle struck her, reversed and hit her again. [4] [2]

The Alfred hospital told ABC News on Tuesday afternoon that Haines remained in a critical condition. Police later described her condition as critical but stable. [3] [1]

Whether Haines was targeted because of her political role remains unknown. Albanese said a joint counter-terrorism team had been activated, but that investigators did not know the motive. Police say the incident appears isolated, with no other known connected threats. [6] [1]