Independent MP Helen Haines’ condition has been downgraded from critical to serious but stable, five days after she was struck by a car in an alleged intentional attack outside her office in north-east Victoria.
The Indi MP had been in a critical condition since she was injured on Monday afternoon , which ultimately resulted in surgeons amputating both her legs . She remains in The Alfred hospital in Melbourne, which confirmed on Saturday morning that her condition had improved.
Phil Haines , her husband of 40 years, said on Wednesday that the road to recovery for the MP and her family would be long and difficult.
“Her heart is huge – she is a very compassionate, caring, loving person, incredibly supportive of all around her,” Phil Haines said in his address.
“And her mind – she has the sharpest intellect. She has always had the most intense desire to learn, to read, to synthesise and to understand what’s going on.
“We are grateful and thankful that, at this stage, both her heart and her mind are in good shape.”
Helen Haines, 65, was allegedly struck multiple times by a white Toyota LandCruiser on Monday outside her office in Wangaratta about 3.35pm.
Her husband was joined on Wednesday by Governor-General Sam Mostyn as he described his wife as a “fighter” .
“But we know she is a fighter. She is a determined person to do her best, with our support and love, to recover,” Phil Haines said. “And that is what we hope for.”
Helen Haines was retrieving items from the boot of her car on Murphy Street when witnesses saw a LandCruiser perform a sharp U-turn and ram Haines against her own vehicle. The LandCruiser then reversed and rammed her again.
Brendan Nugent, 43, has been charged with dangerous driving causing injury , intentionally causing injury and a Commonwealth offence of causing harm to a Commonwealth public official. He appeared in Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday. Police allege the incident was targeted.
Nugent, who remains in custody, has since been charged with additional counts for cultivating cannabis and possessing cannabis.
There has been a huge outpouring of support for Haines from across Australia and the world, including a nationwide candlelit vigil held on Friday night.
Flowers have also been left outside Haines’ second electoral office, in High Street , Wodonga, since the attack, with handwritten well wishes from the community. The city’s water tower was illuminated in her honour.
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