Story perspectives

Driver Arrested After Ramming MP Helen Haines Outside Office

By Drooid · Oct 22, 2026, 12:12 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Helen Haines Rammed

MP Helen Haines was rammed by a car outside her Wangaratta office.
Driver Brendan Nugent, 43, was arrested on charges including harming a Commonwealth official.
Haines lost a leg, her other leg is at risk, and remains critical.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the attack deliberate and said government will follow security advice.
ASIO director Mike Burgess warned that rhetoric fuels violence and Victoria Police will review MPs' safety.

Summary

Brendan Nugent Assessed

Brendan Nugent was noted to have a concussion and idiopathic transverse myelitis at his first court appearance.
Magistrate Allison Vaughan ordered an immediate mental-health assessment for Nugent after learning of his neurological issues.
Court documents listed additional charges of cultivating and possessing cannabis against the suspect.
Brendan Nugent is 43 years old.

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Helen Haines Rammed

MP Helen Haines was rammed by a car outside her Wangaratta office.
Driver Brendan Nugent, 43, was arrested on charges including harming a Commonwealth official.
Haines lost a leg, her other leg is at risk, and remains critical.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the attack deliberate and said government will follow security advice.
ASIO director Mike Burgess warned that rhetoric fuels violence and Victoria Police will review MPs' safety.

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