Independent federal MP Helen Haines is in a stable condition after an alleged attack that left her critically injured and resulted in the loss of both legs.
The member for Indi in north-east Victoria has been recovering at Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital since the incident outside her Wangaratta office in October.
Her condition was officially downgraded to stable on Friday as she continues her recovery.
‘The patient is in a stable condition at The Alfred,’ a spokesperson said in a statement.
The update came less than two weeks after fellow crossbench MP Allegra Spender disclosed that Haines’ first thoughts after regaining consciousness were for her staff.
‘Phil [Haines’ husband] told us about your first words since you woke up after the attack, and said that your first concerns when you woke were for your staff and gratitude to the first responders, nurses, and bystanders,’ Spender said.
‘People have spoken about your empathy and grace, and they deserve recognition.
‘But I think it paints a picture of you as a sort of benign force wandering through the parliament. What I will say is that you are also a force for change.’
Independent federal MP Helen Haines remains in a stable condition after an alleged attack that left her critically injured and led to the loss of both legs
The independent Indi MP has been recovering at Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital since losing both legs in the October 19 incident outside her Wangaratta office
Brendan Nugent, 43, is accused of driving his Toyota LandCruiser into Haines outside her Wangaratta office on October 19, in what police allege 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.
Last week, several sources familiar with the investigation told The Age that Nugent claimed he had not intended to drive into Haines.
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Nugent reportedly said he had never held a grudge against Haines and that his alleged actions at the scene were the result of panic.
He also claimed to have previously voted for Haines, who has represented Indi in federal parliament since 2019.
Police and federal authorities are continuing to examine any existing connections between Nugent and Haines as they work to determine a possible motive.
It was previously revealed that Nugent’s father, Rod, and his partner, Christine Cunningham, had been friends with Haines for more than 20 years.
Investigators are also looking into a possible dispute between Nugent and his family.
Brendan Nugent, 43, is accused of driving his Toyota LandCruiser into Haines outside her Wangaratta office on October 19 in what police allege was a deliberate attack
The investigation follows reports that Mr Nugent and Ms Cunningham had not spoken civilly with him for more than four years and had last seen him 10 months ago, when he arrived at their home without notice.
Last Friday, Commissioner Bush was asked whether police were examining the possibility that Nugent’s alleged attack on Haines was a ‘proxy’ for grievances involving his family.
‘Yes, it is… It sounds like a cliché, but every line of inquiry is open… Every action is under review,’ he told ABC Mildura.
He said Nugent’s father and Ms Cunningham had been ‘absolutely cooperating’ with the police investigation.
Parliamentarians from all sides paid emotional tribute to Haines when parliament sat for the first time since the alleged attack. Her husband of 40 years, Phil, watched from the public gallery.
Fellow independent MP Zali Steggall placed an orange cut-out of a cockatoo on Haines’ empty seat and described her close friend as the matriarch of the crossbench.
Nugent’s case is due back before Wangaratta Local Court on February 4 for a committal mention hearing.
