Helen Haines’ staff ‘deeply traumatised’ after alleged attack leaves MP critically injured

Staff of Helen Haines say they are deeply traumatised after witnessing the MP being rammed by a car outside the electorate office in regional Victoria as the independent Indi MP remains in critical condition following a double leg amputation.

Haines’ chief of staff, Kaz Rourke, has shared the team’s devastation over what occurred in Wangaratta on Monday.

“Most of us were in the office when the incident occurred and some of us were involved in Helen’s immediate care, so this has been deeply traumatic for the team,” she said.

“We are receiving a great deal of support and my priority right now is making sure Helen’s staff are as okay as they can be.

“I’m so very proud of them and know Helen would be too.”

Rourke said Haines is a “remarkable leader, a truly wonderful boss and someone we all care about deeply”, and is adored by her team.

“Most of all, our hearts right now are with Helen, with Phil, their children and their family,” she said.

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Rourke said Haines’ staff would keep doing their jobs for both their boss and the community.

The Wangaratta office, where Haines was allegedly attacked in front of ahead of a television interview, will remain closed to the public with plans to reopen later next week.

Haines remains in critical condition at The Alfred hospital in Melbourne and has had both legs amputated, her husband Phil told the media on Wednesday.

“We had been hoping that her right leg would be saved, but as of this morning, the surgeons had to also remove her right leg,” he said.

“But the good news in all this is that Helen is alive, and she’s stable, that is the most important thing for our family.”

Charity donations soar past $350k

Phil Haines had asked well-wishers to support the independent by donating to Save the Children rather than sending flowers.

In less than 24 hours after the plea, more than $350,000 has been raised to show support for Haines.

In a statement on the fundraiser page, Haines was said to have been “deeply moved” by the outpouring of kindness and support from across Australia.

Save the Children chief executive Mat Tinkler said the organisation was similarly deeply moved that Haines, her family and her team were thinking of children in need.

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“That they want to do something positive for children when they are facing such a devastating situation speaks volumes about their generosity and compassion,” he said.

“The thoughts of everyone at Save the Children are with Helen, Phil, their loved ones and their community during this incredibly difficult time, and we wish Helen a steady recovery.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Thursday said Phil delivered a “remarkable” statement.

“He spoke with such love about Helen’s great characteristics of her heart, which is enormous, and her brain, which of course is also extraordinary,” he told the ABC.

“She’s an intelligent, diligent, local MP who is very compassionate and kind.”

Opposition Leader Angus Taylor said while he was relieved to hear Haines was now stable, the news of her double amputation was devastating.

“The road to recovery will be long and difficult,” he said.

“My thoughts are with Helen, her family and loved ones, and I hope they feel the support and goodwill of Australians across the country.”

Accused faces court

The accused driver, 43-year-old Tarrawingee man Brendan Nugent, did not apply for bail when he fronted court on Wednesday.

His lawyer told the magistrate that his client suffers from the rare neurological condition, idiopathic transverse myelitis, and had sustained a concussion.

Nugent is facing charges of dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury and the federal offence of causing harm to a Commonwealth public official.

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Police have laid additional charges of cultivating cannabis and possessing cannabis.

The case will return to the Wangaratta court on February 4.

Security for MPs in spotlight

The alleged attack on Haines has prompted increased security for state politicians for the Victorian election on November 28.

Federal parliamentarians have revealed the death threats they have received, with One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce recounting how he was lucky to avoid an eerily similar incident to Haines.

Labor Minister Tanya Plibersek said rape and death threats are regular and independent Senator David Pocock has been forced to move houses multiple times for safety fears.

Home Affairs data showed 1067 reports of harassing and threatening behaviour against various high office holders in the most recent financial year, up from 951 the year before.