Helen Haines stable after double amputation as Save the Children appeal passes $730,000
Donations in her name for Save the Children exceed $730,000 as driver Brendan Nugent faces five charges.
By Marco Kapoor ·
Independent MP Helen Haines is recovering in a serious but stable condition after surgeons amputated both of her legs. The upgrade in status was announced by The Alfred hospital in Melbourne on Saturday morning. Her condition had previously been described as critical. For her constituents in the Victorian seat of Indi, this news follows a week of shock and community support after the crash near her electorate office.
The incident occurred on Monday afternoon in Wangaratta. Haines, who represents the region, was struck by a car. Medical staff initially attempted to save her right leg, but the extent of her injuries required the removal of both limbs. Her husband, Phil Haines, visited the hospital on Wednesday to speak with reporters. He stated that her heart and mind remain strong, describing her intellect as sharp and her compassion as vast.
Police charged Brendan Nugent, a 43-year-old man from Tarrawingee, on Tuesday. He faced three initial charges: dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury, and causing harm to a commonwealth public official. Court records show two additional charges for cultivating and possessing cannabis were added later. Nugent appeared at Wangaratta magistrates court on Wednesday and did not request bail.
On Friday, Haines's team released a social media update. They expressed hope to reopen her electorate offices next Thursday. The post acknowledged that many staff members witnessed the crash and helped immediately. It asked for patience as the team processes the event. The staff also thanked the community and global supporters for their generosity. More than $730,000 has been raised for Save the Children through a special appeal Phil Haines encouraged.
The attack has drawn attention to safety for members of parliament. In Western Australia, police charged a 56-year-old man with threatening staff at the office of minister Hannah Beazley. This occurred days after Haines was injured. A community vigil was held in Wodonga on Wednesday evening. Cathy McGowan, Haines's predecessor, told attendees the community was experiencing mixed emotions.
