Husband of Injured Australian MP Helen Haines Confirms Second Leg Amputation Following Ramming
Independent Australian lawmaker Helen Haines has undergone a second leg amputation following a car ramming incident outside her constituency office earlier this week, her husband announced on Wednesday.
Addressing reporters during a Wednesday afternoon press briefing, Phil Haines provided an update on his wife’s condition, stating that she is currently alive and stable following the trauma. Surgeons previously amputated Ms Haines’ left leg on Monday night after she was rushed by air ambulance to a hospital. The 65-year-old federal politician was struck twice by a Toyota Land Cruiser SUV outside her electoral district office located in Wangaratta, Victoria, on Monday.
“Helen is alive and she’s stable. That is the most important thing for our family,” Mr Haines told the media. Describing her character as compassionate and caring, he added that her road to recovery would be arduous. “Her road to recovery will be long and difficult, but we know she is a fighter. She is a determined person who will do her best with our support and love to recover.”
Mr Haines noted that his wife’s heart and mind remain in good shape despite the severity of the incident. The couple is set to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary in November, and they have welcomed four grandchildren over the past four months. He expressed gratitude for the widespread public support and offered special thanks to the first responders, including police officers, paramedics, and local community members who rushed to the scene on Monday.
“One thing I’ve learned in the last two days, reinforced by many people, is to take things day by day. I know it’s a cliche, but it’s a cliche for a very good reason,” Mr Haines said.
Australia’s Governor-General Sam Mostyn attended the press conference after being invited by Mr Haines. She praised the initial response from emergency personnel and characterized Monday’s incident as a violent attack. Ms Mostyn urged the public to resist falling into chaos and division in the wake of the event.
“Do what I imagine Helen would be doing if she was not the victim of this terrible attack, and do not descend into violence and chaos and division,” Ms Mostyn told the gathering.
Authorities have arrested a suspect in connection with the incident. Brendan Nugent, 43, faces three charges over the alleged attack on the federal parliamentarian, and police are currently evaluating whether to bring additional charges against him. Mr Nugent remained silent during his initial court appearance earlier on Wednesday.
