Accused driver to face court as MP fights for life

Helen Haines remains in critical but stable condition after being hit by a Toyota LandCruiser outside her electorate office in Wangaratta, northern Victoria.

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The driver behind an allegedly targeted and life-threatening attack on federal independent MP Helen Haines will face court for the first time. Police have charged Tarrawingee man Brendan Nugent, 43, with dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury and causing harm to a Commonwealth public official.

According to Victoria Police, the incident was allegedly targeted. Dr Haines was hit by a Toyota LandCruiser outside her electorate office in Wangaratta, northern Victoria, on Monday afternoon. She underwent emergency surgery at The Alfred hospital in Melbourne but one of her legs could not be saved.

The accused's father, Rod Nugent, and Rod's partner Christine Cunningham, revealed they had been friends with Dr Haines for more than 20 years. They described the incident as 'devastating and unfathomable'. The alleged targeted attack on Helen Haines has prompted an outpouring of grief around the country.

Heightened rhetoric in the halls of parliament and online echo chambers have helped to create an environment where threats of violence have become commonplace for politicians. A major concern facing regional MPs is whether access for remote voters will be hampered in the immediate future.