Helen Haines’s Condition Improves After Alleged Car Attack
Source reports published 24 Oct 2026, 9:32 am – 11:55 am AEST
Helen Haines’s condition has improved from critical to serious but stable following a car attack outside her office in Wangaratta. Surgeons amputated both of her legs as a result of the incident.
What happened
- Independent MP Helen Haines’s condition has improved from critical to serious but stable at The Alfred Hospital in Melbourne.
- The improvement followed a car attack outside her electorate office in Wangaratta, north-east Victoria, on Monday.
- Brendan Nugent, 43, from Tarrawingee, is facing multiple charges, including dangerous driving causing serious injury and intentionally causing serious injury.
- Police allege the incident was a deliberate attack.
- Surgeons amputated both of Haines’s legs due to the severity of her injuries.
- Her husband, Phil Haines, stated that her heart and mind were in good shape.
- The incident led to a significant outpouring of support, with over $1 million donated to Save the Children Australia in her honour and more than $730,000 raised for the same charity.
- Staff were working to reopen her electorate offices next Thursday.
- The attack prompted conversations about political debate, security risks for MPs, and mental health services in regional Victoria.
Original reporting
- ABC: Helen Haines's condition has improved, hospital says
2026-10-23T23:32:49+00:00 - BBC: Australian MP Helen Haines' condition improves after alleged car attack
2026-10-24T01:55:15.695000+00:00 - Guardian: Helen Haines’s condition improves days after losing both legs from alleged attack
2026-10-24T00:00:00+00:00