Australian Lawmaker Loses Leg in Alleged Vehicle Attack
(MENAFN) Australian lawmaker Helen Haines lost a leg after a driver allegedly struck her twice with a vehicle outside her electorate office in Wangaratta, Victoria, according to reports published Tuesday.
Haines, 65, remains in critical condition at Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital following emergency surgery, with medical teams working to save her remaining leg.
The attack prompted condemnation across Australia’s political spectrum, with lawmakers from both the government and opposition expressing support for Haines during a parliamentary sitting on Tuesday.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described Haines as a "thoroughly decent human being" who was respected across parliament.
Opposition Leader Angus Taylor called the incident "a shocking day for our nation," stressing that political violence must never be accepted.
House Speaker Milton Dick also urged politicians to adopt a more respectful tone in public debate and maintain civility despite their political differences.
Albanese characterized the incident as deliberate, saying preliminary investigations indicated that the Toyota LandCruiser had made a U-turn before hitting Haines.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the lawmaker was struck twice before a bystander intervened and restrained the driver.
Police arrested a 43-year-old man identified as Brendan Nugent in connection with the incident.
A joint counterterrorism investigation has been launched, involving the Australian Federal Police, Victoria Police and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO). Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack.
The incident has renewed attention to political violence in Australia, as officials await further findings from the investigation and Haines continues to receive treatment for her injuries.
Haines, 65, remains in critical condition at Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital following emergency surgery, with medical teams working to save her remaining leg.
The attack prompted condemnation across Australia’s political spectrum, with lawmakers from both the government and opposition expressing support for Haines during a parliamentary sitting on Tuesday.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described Haines as a "thoroughly decent human being" who was respected across parliament.
Opposition Leader Angus Taylor called the incident "a shocking day for our nation," stressing that political violence must never be accepted.
House Speaker Milton Dick also urged politicians to adopt a more respectful tone in public debate and maintain civility despite their political differences.
Albanese characterized the incident as deliberate, saying preliminary investigations indicated that the Toyota LandCruiser had made a U-turn before hitting Haines.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the lawmaker was struck twice before a bystander intervened and restrained the driver.
Police arrested a 43-year-old man identified as Brendan Nugent in connection with the incident.
A joint counterterrorism investigation has been launched, involving the Australian Federal Police, Victoria Police and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO). Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack.
The incident has renewed attention to political violence in Australia, as officials await further findings from the investigation and Haines continues to receive treatment for her injuries.
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