Helen Haines loses leg as surgeons fight to save the other after alleged attack in Wangaratta

Why This Matters

Key context: <p>Independent MP is in critical yet stable condition after man allegedly did U-turn to strike her twice with his car</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/oct/20/brendan-nugent-driver-alleged-attack-helen-haines-ntwnfb">Brendan Nugent’s family say Helen Haines has been their friend for more than 20 years</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/oct/20/i-dont-want-to-be-known-as-a-hero-barber-who-rushed-to-help-helen-haines-praised-by-pm-ntwnfb">‘I don’t want to be known as a hero’: barber who rushed to help Helen Haines praised by PM</a></p></li><li><p>Get our <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/email-newsletters?CMP=cvau_sfl">new political email</a>, <a href="https://app.adjust.com/w4u7jx3">free app</a> or <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/series/full-story?CMP=cvau_sfl">daily news podcast</a></p></li></ul><p>The man accused of attacking Helen Haines allegedly made a U-turn before ramming the independent MP twice in an alleged targeted attack near her electorate office, causing her to lose one of her legs.</p><p>The member for Indi was airlifted from Wangaratta in northern Victoria to Melbourne’s Alfred hospital for emergency surgery on Monday night.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/oct/20/helen-haines-mp-alleged-attack-wangaratta-surgery-ntwnfb">Continue reading...</a> This development from The Guardian highlights ongoing changes in the sector.