Story perspectives

Police charge driver after attack on MP Helen Haines

By Drooid · Oct 24, 2026, 10:58 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Independent MP Helen Haines was struck by a white Toyota Land Cruiser, resulting in leg amputations.
Police charged 43-year-old Brendan Nugent with dangerous driving, intentional injury, harming a public official, and cannabis offenses.
Victoria Police called the act a deliberate attack and are investigating the unknown motive.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and opposition lawmaker James Paterson urged a review of lawmakers’ security.

History

Historical Context

In June 2016, Labour MP Jo Cox was shot and stabbed in Birstall, the first killing of a sitting British MP since Ian Gow in 1990, leading Prime Minister Theresa May to order a £2 million review and deploy 150 officers for all 650 MPs. The 2024 assault on Independent MP Helen Haines in Melbourne revived calls in Australia to adopt similar post-Cox security measures.

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Story summary

Independent MP Helen Haines was struck by a white Toyota Land Cruiser, resulting in leg amputations.
Police charged 43-year-old Brendan Nugent with dangerous driving, intentional injury, harming a public official, and cannabis offenses.
Victoria Police called the act a deliberate attack and are investigating the unknown motive.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and opposition lawmaker James Paterson urged a review of lawmakers’ security.

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