Brendan Nugent, 43, appeared in Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on Oct. 21 over charges related to the vehicle strike on Helen Haines.
His lawyer did not seek bail, and Nugent was not required to enter a plea, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported.
Victoria Police announced three charges on Oct. 20: dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally cause serious injury and causing harm to a Commonwealth public official. Separately, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported that court documents listed charges of cultivating and possessing cannabis.
Police said a white Toyota LandCruiser struck Haines, 65, outside an office in Wangaratta, Victoria, on Oct. 19. They allege the incident was targeted. Police said on Oct. 20 that it appeared isolated and that they knew of no connected threats at that stage.
In an update from the hospital, Haines’ husband, Phil Haines, said doctors amputated her left leg on Oct. 19 and her right leg on Oct. 21. He said she was alive and stable. Haines has represented the Victorian electorate of Indi in Australia’s House of Representatives since 2019.
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported that Governor-General Sam Mostyn, speaking alongside Phil Haines at the hospital, urged greater civility in political debate. Nugent’s next court appearance, a committal mention, is scheduled for Feb. 4, 2027, in Wangaratta.
