Independent MP Helen Haines was hit by a car on Monday, in what’s been described by Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as a ‘deliberate act’.
Official reports state that the driver executed a U-turn to ram Haines against a vehicle outside of her electorate office in Wangaratta, Victoria, then reversed to strike her a second time. Haines was airlifted to a Melbourne hospital where she underwent surgery, and she has lost one of her legs, according to local media.
Police confirmed that a 43-year-old man had been arrested at the scene. Local media named the alleged attacker as environmentalist Brendan Nugent. Nugent’s father has described the incident as ‘devastating and unfathomable’ and said that Haines had been a friend of the family for more than 20 years.
The alleged attack has shocked the country, with fears around politicians' safety. Haines had a reputation as a popular and well-liked MP. ‘She is fiercely intelligent but most importantly she is just a thoroughly decent human being full of integrity and respected right across the Parliament and from everyone who comes into contact with her,’ said Albanese.
Who is Helen Haines?
Helen Haines is an independent Australian politician who has served as the MP for the Victorian electorate of Indi since 2019. She is currently in a critical condition following a car attack.
Haines grew up on a dairy farm with her four brothers in southwest Victoria. Before moving into politics, she spent 30 years working as a nurse, midwife, and health researcher. She holds a master's degree in public health and a PHD in medical science.
In 2019, she turned her attention to politics and made history as the first independent MP to succeed another independent in the same seat, taking over from Cathy McGowan.
'My background in nursing guides my work,' Haines wrote on her website. 'As a nurse and a midwife, you’re with people in their most joyous and difficult moments. It’s taught me that life is precious, that everyone deserves dignity and respect, that good policy starts with listening, and – as a health researcher – that facts matter.'
How old is Helen Haines?
Born on September 21, 1961, Helen is 65 years old.
What are Helen Haines’s political views?
Helen is a political independent, who has championed causes including rural healthcare and housing, climate change, and the establishment of the National Anti-Corruption Commission. She's been described as more of a centrist, with a focus on regional issues.
In statements from various political figures, Haines is presented as a popular politician. 'Helen Haines is not a divisive figure … she’s not a controversial person,' said Sam Birrell, a Nationals MP whose electorate of Nicholls borders Indi. 'She’s highly respected by me and everyone across the political aisle and in her electorate, I know that for a fact.'
Australia's Prime Minister told ABC, 'There’s a reason why Helen Haines is so loved and admired, because she’s someone of integrity. She’s someone who treats everyone with respect, and she’s someone who is a beacon of light for that community there in northern Victoria.'
How does Helen Haines know Brendan Nugent?
Brendan Nugent is the man accused of allegedly attacking Haines. Nugent is a longterm forestry campaigner and environmental activist, and previously was a committee member of Save our Strathbogie Forest group, which campaigns against logging in the region. He became inactive in the group around 2019-2020.
'He was engaging, he was thoughtful and to hear what has happened now, if it all turns out to be true, is just completely shocking,' Bertrant Lobert, the group's chair said. 'This is quite personal as a lot of people in our group knew Helen personally and were friends.'
Nugent and Haines followed each other on social media. When Nugent was still campaigning on forestry issues, he praised Haines for her stance on climate change, describing her on X as 'a politician who takes climate change seriously'.
Counterterrorism expert Joshua Roose told ABC News that Nugent had 'descended from more mainstream environmental concerns and become more conspiratorial.' According to Guardian Australia, local residents have been concerned about Nugent for several years, alleging that his behaviour was erratic, reporting shouting and music playing loudly until the early hours of the morning. They made allegations of abuse and threats from him, and voiced concerns about his mental health.
In a statement, Nugent’s father, Rod Nugent, and Rod’s partner, Christine Cunningham, described the alleged attack as ‘devastating’, and noted that Haines had been their friend for more than 20 years. ‘We would like to sincerely thank members of the local community and police who came to Helen’s aid yesterday … We will be assisting Victoria Police in any way we can,’ they added. ‘Helen Haines is a deeply respected, valued and much loved member of our local community.’
Is Helen Haines married?
Helen has been married to Phil Haines, an agricultural scientist, since 1986. It's the couple's 40th wedding anniversary next month. They live together on a beef farm outside Wangaratta.
Does Helen Haines have children?
Helen and Phil have three children together.