Australian MP loses both legs

Australian independent MP Helen Haines has lost both legs after being struck by a vehicle in what police believe was a deliberate attack.

Her husband, Phil Haines, confirmed the development on Wednesday, saying she was seriously injured but remained in good spirits. “The good news out of all of this is that she is alive,” he said.

Speaking at a press conference in Melbourne, where Haines is receiving treatment, her husband said her recovery would be long and difficult. However, he expressed hope that her determination, along with the support and love of her family, would help her through the process.

The incident occurred at around 3:35pm local time on Monday outside Haines’s electorate office in Wangaratta, a regional city in Victoria, about 240 kilometres northeast of Melbourne. According to allegations, 43-year-old Brendan Nguyen struck her with his Toyota LandCruiser. Bystanders reportedly pulled him from the vehicle and detained him shortly after the incident.

Nguyen appeared in court for the first time on Wednesday. He faces charges including dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury and assaulting a Commonwealth public official. Police said further charges, including attempted murder, could be considered.

Nguyen, who lives in the nearby town of Tarrawingee and is known as an environmentalist, remained silent during the brief hearing and did not apply for bail. He is due to return to court in February. Court records also list allegations involving the cultivation and possession of cannabis.

His lawyer told the court there were concerns about Nguyen’s mental health but did not elaborate. The court was also informed that he has a rare neurological condition called idiopathic transverse myelitis, which involves inflammation of the spinal cord.

Victoria Police, assisted by the Australian Federal Police, are investigating the incident. However, the motive remains unclear.

Victoria Police Commissioner Mike Bush said determining the motive behind what authorities allege was a deliberate attack was a key part of the investigation.

Police said Nguyen had not been under surveillance before the incident and there had been no intelligence suggesting Haines was facing a threat. Investigators are examining whether drugs or medication played a role and whether the two had any personal relationship.

Nguyen’s family said in a statement that they had been friends with Haines for a long time. They described the incident as “devastating and unthinkable”.

Haines underwent surgery after the attack, initially losing one leg. Her husband confirmed on Wednesday morning that doctors had also amputated her other leg.

Jacob and Jackie Evans were among the first people to reach the scene and help the injured MP. They said Haines had thanked them for their assistance.

According to the Herald Sun, she told them, “Thank you, you are such good people.” Speaking to Nine Today, Jackie said Haines had been thanking them, describing the moment as unbelievable. Jacob used a tourniquet from a medical kit in his vehicle to try to stop the bleeding from one of her legs.

The attack has sent shockwaves through Wangaratta and Australia’s political community, where political violence is relatively rare. First elected in 2019, Haines is a well-known and respected figure among fellow politicians.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he had spoken with Haines’s husband several times since the incident. In an interview with national broadcaster ABC, he highlighted the distinct forms of abuse and aggression faced by women in politics, including threats of rape.

Police have also reported a recent increase in threats against public officials, with a person being charged in connection with such offences almost every week.

The incident has renewed debate over the security of Australian lawmakers.

The Australian Federal Police said providing personal protection for all 226 federal parliamentarians would require a substantial number of personnel. Instead, decisions on individual protection are based on each lawmaker’s responsibilities and the threats they face.

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