Australian MP Helen Haines has lost both legs after being hit by car, husband says

Helen Haines lost her left leg on Monday, the day she was struck by a vehicle, her husband Phil told reporters outside Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital on Wednesday. Surgeons had hoped to save her right leg but had to amputate that too, he said. “We are grateful and thankful that, at this stage, both her heart and her mind are in good shape.” [1]

Phil Haines described his wife as stable and said her recovery would be long. The hospital subsequently told ABC News that the independent MP remained in a critical condition; it did not itself describe her as stable. [1]

Victoria Police said a Toyota LandCruiser struck Haines outside an office in Wangaratta, Victoria, at about 3.35pm local time on Monday 19 October. Police allege the collision was targeted. Brendan Nugent, 43, appeared at Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday charged with dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury and causing harm to a Commonwealth public official. [2] [4]

Nugent did not apply for bail or enter a plea. ABC News reported that court documents also listed separate charges of cultivating and possessing cannabis. Police say the investigation into the collision is continuing and have not established a motive. Nugent is due back in court on 4 February 2027. [1] [4]