The condition of federal MP Dr Helen Haines has improved from 'critical' to 'serious but stable' after she was allegedly deliberately struck by a Toyota LandCruiser.
Brendan Nugent, 43, is accused of driving a Toyota LandCruiser into Dr Haines outside her electorate office in Wangaratta, northern Victoria, on Monday afternoon.
The 65-year-old Independent MP suffered critical injuries and underwent emergency surgery at The Alfred hospital in Melbourne. She has lost both legs as a result of the incident.
In the first sign of improvement, the Alfred Hospital has shared an update on Dr Haines' recovery: 'The patient is in a serious but stable condition at The Alfred on Saturday morning.'
Nugent, who neighbours have said lived alone on a remote property in nearby Tarrawingee, appeared briefly in court on Wednesday, where he was charged with offences including dangerous driving causing serious harm following the incident.
His lawyer Chirag Patel told the court Nugent had not previously been diagnosed with any mental health issues, but he was concerned for his client's psychological wellbeing and wanted him assessed.
He did not apply for bail and was remanded in custody to face court again in February.
On Saturday, the Herald Sun published details about Nugent's interests, reporting they ranged from ancient Chinese philosophy to the video game franchise Grand Theft Auto.
The condition of federal MP Dr Helen Haines has improved from 'critical' to 'serious but stable'
Dr Haines was allegedly struck by a Toyota LandCruiser outside her electorate office in Wangaratta, northern Victoria, on Monday afternoon
Brendan Nugent was charged with offences including dangerous driving causing serious harm
In one piece of writing, he used the philosophy to explore theories about the universe.
'Are 2 + universes or infinite complexity Daoist teachings but not currently usually supported in this one … vision as you can't see where the energy diffuses to [i.e.] only back and forth usually supported,' he wrote.
Another entry said: 'Consistent most with Daoist teachings = always complexity???'
Nugent also read books about Lao Tzu, the ancient Chinese philosopher traditionally associated with the founding of Daoism, and references to the figure appeared on an X account username linked to him.
The Australian revealed on Saturday it had examined his digital footprint, including more than 2,600 deleted posts, some of which criticised what he described as a lack of support available to him.
'I have a masters degree, H1 average, still … [can't] get the basic assistance I need to work. Tried many times,' he said.
'Disability pension not enough to manage it so I'm constantly broke spending on health, NDIS is unavailable. We are left to sit in pain 24/7.'
Nugent had also posted about a NSW Police investigation into an alleged child abuse material network, according to The Australian.
New details have emerged about Nugent's life prior to the alleged attack, including his interest in Daoism and Grand Theft Auto
Nugent published more than 10,000 posts on X over a period spanning more than 12 years
Nugent indicated in one post that he had contacted the office of his state Nationals MP, Tim McCurdy, to discuss the 'police and court handling of sexual abuse matters'.
He also posted photographs of himself accompanied by unusual personal captions.
In one post on July 10, 2024, Mr Nugent shared a mirror-image selfie showing him wearing a tweed cap, a long beard and a nose ring.
'[I'm] just at home, … great alpine road, Tarrawingee, being peaceful, and it feels like they are going to kill me,' he said, though he did not elaborate on the 'they'.
Nugent's interests also included the Grand Theft Auto video game franchise, according to the Herald Sun.
In the game, players can steal cars, use firearms, set off explosives and engage in police pursuits.
The long-running franchise has remained one of the world's most popular video game series for more than two decades, with its next instalment scheduled for release on November 19.
Police are still investigating the circumstances of the alleged attack on Dr Haines, including Nugent's relationship with his family.
Following the incident, Dr Haines' office has remained closed but staff are now preparing to reopen the space
Victoria Police Commissioner Mike Bush was asked by ABC Mildura on Friday whether police were investigating the possibility that Nugent's alleged attack on Haines was a 'proxy' for grievances involving his family.
'Yes, it is,' he said.
Following the incident, Dr Haines' office has remained closed but staff are now preparing to reopen the space.
On Friday, her team thanked the local community and people around the world for their support.
'What happened on Monday has deeply affected Helen's family and all of her staff,' they wrote in an Instagram post alongside an image of floral tributes to Dr Haines.
'Many of us witnessed the incident and some were among the first to come to her aid.'
Her staff hope to reopen electorate offices in Wangaratta and Wodonga on Thursday, while acknowledging that recovery will take time.
'As Helen takes the time she needs to recover, we will take time to look after ourselves and one another, too,' the post read.