Australian independent lawmaker Helen Haines has lost both legs after a man allegedly rammed her with a car outside her office in Victoria.
The 65-year-old politician remains in critical condition in hospital following the incident in Wangaratta, northeastern Victoria, on Monday.
Her family has expressed relief that she survived the attack despite the severe injuries.
Her husband, Phil Haines, shared the heartbreaking update during a press conference at Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital on Wednesday.
Phil, who has been married to the lawmaker for nearly 40 years, said doctors initially hoped to save her right leg. However, surgeons later had to remove it.
“Helen’s left leg was amputated on Monday. We had been hoping that her right leg would be saved, but, the surgeons had to also remove her right leg,” he said.
Despite the painful development, he expressed gratitude that his wife remained alive.
“But the good news in all this is Helen is alive and she’s stable.”
Reports indicate that Haines was unloading items from the trunk of her parked vehicle when the incident occurred.
A man driving a Toyota Land Cruiser allegedly passed her, turned around, and rammed her into her car.
A local barber reportedly intervened and held the driver until police arrived.
Emergency responders later airlifted Haines to Melbourne for urgent surgery.
The suspect, identified as 43-year-old Brendan Nugent, appeared in court on Wednesday.
He faces charges including dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury, and harming a Commonwealth public official.
His lawyer told the court that Nugent had a rare neurological condition and was not taking medication.
No bail application was made, and the case was adjourned until February 4.
Australia’s Governor-General, Sam Mostyn, said the incident had shocked the nation.
“Australia is still reeling with the shock and distress of this terrible attack,”
she said, describing the public reaction to the tragedy.
Police said they had no intelligence suggesting Nugent posed an imminent threat before the alleged incident.
Investigators have yet to establish whether the attack was politically motivated.
