Man charged over alleged car attack on independent MP Helen Haines

Summary

Independent MP Helen Haines was struck by a car on Monday as she came out of her office. Le Monde reports that police have charged Brendan Nugent with dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury, and the federal crime of harming a public official. The Guardian reports that her husband says her second leg has been amputated but that she is stable and "a fighter". The Guardian reports that Nugent appeared in court on Wednesday, and ABC reports that he was scheduled to appear in court over the alleged attack. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has described the police interview with Nugent as "extensive", but the motive for the alleged attack is still unknown, the Guardian reports. Politicians across parliament have condemned the alleged attack. Le Monde describes it as a "targeted" attack.

Timeline

1. ABC

   20 Oct 2026, 18:04 UTCSource ↗

   ABC reports that Brendan Nugent, the man accused of ramming his car into independent MP Helen Haines, is scheduled to appear in court over the alleged attack.

2. The Guardian

   21 Oct 2026, 06:14 UTCSource ↗

   The Guardian's live coverage reports that Haines was struck by a car on Monday, that her husband says her second leg has been amputated but she is stable and "a fighter", and that Nugent appeared in court on Wednesday.

3. Le Monde

   21 Oct 2026, 08:55 UTCSource ↗

   Le Monde reports that Haines was struck by a car coming out of her office on Monday and that police have charged Brendan Nugent with dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury, and the federal crime of harming a public official.