A 43-year-old man has been charged following the incident on Monday in which independent Australian MP Helen Haines was struck by a vehicle in Victoria. The suspect is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday to face charges of dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury, and a federal count of causing harm to a public official. All of our love and all of our thoughts are with Helen and her family and friends.
Haines, the 65-year-old representative for the electoral division of Indi, is in critical but stable condition at a Melbourne hospital after undergoing surgery. She was reportedly airlifted for emergency treatment following the event. Local media have identified the accused as environmental activist Brendan Nugent.
In a formal statement, the suspect’s father, Rod Nugent, and his partner, Christine Cunningham, stated that they have maintained a friendship with Haines for more than 20 years.
They expressed their support for the MP, describing her as a deeply respected and valued community member, while labeling the incident a shocking and horrific crime. Priests hugged some of those who came to pay their respects.
The pair pledged their full cooperation with the Victoria Police investigation.
Victoria Police indicated they will allege the incident was targeted. Authorities confirmed they searched a property in Tarrawingee, located approximately 12 kilometers from the town of Wangaratta, as part of their inquiries. Officers emphasized that the event appears to be isolated, with no other known threats connected to the matter, though police presence will remain in Wangaratta. The community in Wangaratta remains in shock after the alleged attack. According to as they announced the charges against the 43-year-old, they, They had searched a property in Tarrawingee, around 12km (7.5 miles) from Wangaratta.
Police noted that a highway patrol unit was operating nearby when the call was received, allowing officers to arrive on the scene within eight seconds. Bystanders also intervened immediately following the crash. Local barber Ricky Jefferies, who was at the scene, recounted pulling the suspect from the vehicle, noting that other witnesses acted quickly to assist despite the evident danger of the moving car. According to i think that I was just a person who had an opportunity to intervene in a safe-ish way,”, Ricky Jefferies. He added. “The car was still on and they sat in front of a rolling car, that’s not an exaggeration, others who helped “didn’t even check for danger”.
Since winning her seat as an independent in 2019, Haines has gained prominence as a crossbench member, known for building consensus across Australia’s political spectrum. Her office is situated on the main street of Wangaratta, which has since reopened to traffic.
The local community continues to process the event, with many residents visiting the site to leave tributes. During a vigil held at the Holy Trinity Cathedral on Tuesday, locals gathered to light candles and offer support. Flowers and cards now line the pavement near her office, with one message expressing a hope for her recovery and continued positive influence. Cars slowly filed past the growing number of bouquets being left for her on the pavement. One card read: “May you recover quickly and continue to be a light in this world.
