Helen Haines’ condition improves following alleged attack, but remains serious

Independent MP Helen Haines is in serious but stable condition after days hospitalised in a critical condition and the amputation of both her legs.

Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital provided the update on Saturday morning, on the fifth day since Haines was struck by a vehicle outside her electorate office in regional Victoria on Monday afternoon. She had been in a critical condition since the incident.

Police allege the incident in Wangaratta was a deliberate attack by 43-year-old Tarrawingee man Brendan Nugent, who has been charged with dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury and causing harm to a Commonwealth public official. He allegedly made a sharp U-turn before striking Haines in a Toyota LandCruiser.

Nugent faced Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

The MP’s husband Phil Haines said on Wednesday Haines’ right leg had also been amputated despite the best efforts of doctors.

“The good news in all this is that she’s alive. That is the most important thing for our family,” he said at the time.

The incident has triggered an outpouring of shock and grief across the political spectrum and the country.

A number of federal politicians have spoken out about the rising temperature in politics and the uptick in threats they have faced.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing.