Helen Haines Remains in Critical Condition

a Week After Attack

November 2026 Independent federal MP Helen Haines remains in critical condition, a week after being seriously injured by a four-wheel-drive vehicle outside her electorate office in north-east Victoria. The 65-year-old politician lost both legs because of her injuries. The incident has shocked the local community and reignited discussions about the safety of elected representatives, particularly women in politics. Outside her office in Wangaratta, members of the public continue to leave flowers and messages of support. Many have expressed their admiration for Ms Haines’s integrity, compassion and political values, while the community anxiously awaits updates on her condition. Meanwhile, her staff are struggling to come to terms with the shock of the incident, with some witnessing the attack or rushing to help her immediately afterwards. Her chief of staff, Kaz Rourke, said the team had received significant support from the community and expressed hope that the office would be able to reopen next week. Meanwhile, donations to the charity Save the Children Australia exceeded $400,000 in just 24 hours. The fundraising campaign followed an appeal by her husband, Phil Haines, who urged people to make donations to the charity instead of sending flowers. Brendan Nugent, 43, who has been charged with three offences relating to the incident, is expected to appear in court again on February 4. The motive for the attack remains unknown.

Greek Tribune Adelaide, South Australia