Victorian MP Haines Stable After Double Amputation
The Alfred hospital updated the status of the Indi member, who was struck by a car in Wangaratta earlier this week.
By Natalia Campos ·
Helen Haines, the independent member for Indi, is in a serious but stable condition.
A spokesperson for The Alfred hospital in Melbourne provided the update on Saturday morning, noting a change from the previous critical but stable assessment. Haines was struck by a car in Wangaratta, north-east Victoria, on Monday afternoon. Surgeons attempted to preserve her right leg initially, but the severity of the injuries required amputating both limbs.
Police charged Brendan Nugent, a 43-year-old man from Tarrawingee, on Tuesday. The charges include dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury, and causing harm to a commonwealth public official. Court documents reveal he also faces charges for cultivating and possessing cannabis. Nugent appeared at Wangaratta magistrates court on Wednesday and did not apply for bail.
Phil Haines, the MP's husband, spoke to reporters outside the hospital on Wednesday. He described his wife's heart and mind as her most important attributes, stating that both are in good shape. He called her a compassionate, caring, and loving person with a sharp intellect.
Haines's staff issued a social media update on Friday. They indicated a plan to reopen her electorate offices next Thursday. The post acknowledged that many team members witnessed the incident and were among the first to assist. Staff asked for understanding as they support the MP and care for one another during the recovery period.
The Indi community and supporters worldwide have raised more than $730,000 for Save the Children in Haines's honor. This initiative was encouraged by her husband following the accident. A community vigil took place in Wodonga on Wednesday evening, where predecessor Cathy McGowan described the community's mood as one of mixed emotions.
The incident has intensified discussions regarding security for members of parliament in Australia. In Western Australia, police recently charged a 56-year-old man with threatening staff and wielding nunchucks at the office of Hannah Beazley, a state local government minister. This event occurred days after the incident in Wangaratta.
Source: The Guardian
