The man accused of running over federal MP Helen Haines several times has reportedly told investigators it was an accident and that he panicked.
The independent member for Indi in north-east Victoria remains in a serious but stable condition at Melbourne’s Alfred hospital after both of her legs were amputated.
Brendan Nugent, 43, is accused of driving his Toyota LandCruiser into Ms Haines outside her Wangaratta office on October 19. Police allege the incident was a deliberate attack.
He remains in custody after being charged with several offences, including dangerous driving causing serious harm and causing harm to a Commonwealth public official.
Several sources familiar with the investigation told The Age that Nugent said he never intended to drive into Ms Haines.
Nugent reportedly insisted he had never held a grudge against the MP and said panic prompted his alleged actions at the scene.
He also claimed to have voted for Ms Haines in the past. She has represented Indi in federal parliament since 2019.
Police and federal authorities are continuing to examine whether Nugent and Ms Haines had any prior connection as they work to establish a motive.
Brendan Nugent has reportedly said the alleged attack on federal MP Helen Haines was an accident
He also claimed he had previously voted for Helen Haines, who has represented Indi in federal parliament since 2019.
‘We’re checking all records — Helen’s, ours and others,’ Victoria Police Commissioner Mike Bush told reporters last week.
‘And we are not ruling out further serious charges.’
It was previously revealed that Nugent’s father, Rod, and his partner, Christine Cunningham, had been friends with Ms Haines for more than 20 years.
Investigators are also examining a possible rift between Nugent and his family as part of their inquiries.
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The investigation follows reports that Mr Nugent and Ms Cunningham had not spoken civilly to him for more than four years. They reportedly last saw him 10 months ago, when he arrived at their home without warning.
Commissioner Bush was asked last Friday whether police were investigating the possibility that the alleged attack on Ms Haines was a ‘proxy’ for grievances involving Nugent’s family.
‘Yes, it is,’ he told ABC Mildura.
‘It sounds like a cliché, but every line of inquiry is open… Every action is under review.’
Brendan Nugent, 43, is accused of driving his Toyota LandCruiser into Ms Haines outside her Wangaratta office on October 19 in what police allege was a deliberate attack.
Brendan Nugent, 43, pictured after his arrest, remains in custody after being charged with several offences, including dangerous driving causing serious harm and causing harm to a Commonwealth public official.
He added that Nugent’s father and Ms Cunningham had been ‘absolutely cooperating’ with the police investigation.
Members of all sides of parliament united to pay tribute to Ms Haines when parliament sat on Monday for the first time since the alleged attack.
Her husband, Phil, told parliament that Ms Haines’ first words after waking from surgery were to express concern for her staff and thank first responders.
Nugent’s case is due to return to Wangaratta Local Court on February 4 for a committal mention hearing.
The development comes as Ms Haines’ staff prepare to reopen her electorate offices in Wangaratta and Wodonga on Thursday.
The offices will operate three days a week for the rest of 2026.
‘Thank you to everyone who continues to show such care and support for Helen, her family and our team,’ a statement posted on Ms Haines’ page said.
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