As it happened: Haines has second leg amputated, MP in stable condition

This is where we’ll end our live coverage of today’s events.

You can read the latest on Phil Haines’ update on his wife here.

The accused driver, Brendan Nugent, also faced court for the first time today.

The Alfred hospital has provided an update this evening, saying Helen Haines remains in a critical condition.

A further condition update will be shared tomorrow morning, when available, the hospital said.

Governor-General Sam Mostyn called on Australians to honour Helen Haines by offering comfort to one another and rebuilding decency across the community.

“I think we should do what I imagine Helen would be doing if she was not the victim of this terrible attack, reaching out to those who are terribly distressed by what has happened, who are still trying to cope with this,” Mostyn said.

“We need to offer everyone comfort to get through this, to celebrate our strong and stable system of government and parliaments and democracy, and be proud of that.“

Mostyn urged the public to take inspiration from the independent MP’s approach to public service and community leadership.

“Most importantly, that we learn or relearn to exercise our muscle of decency,” she said.

“I saw with everything that Helen has done across Indi and well beyond, in communities around Australia, where Australians are yearning for kindness and care.”

Governor-General Sam Mostyn says Australia is still reeling with shock and distress following the attack on the “much-loved” federal MP.

Speaking alongside Haines’ husband Phil, Mostyn offered reassurance that the member for Indi is now in a stable condition, while calling for unity and calm across the nation.

“This violent attack on a much loved and respected sitting member of our federal parliament must be a moment for us to pause and to choose to be better,” Mostyn said.

“We don’t have to all agree, but we can wrestle the issue, not the person, just as Helen has done throughout her time in parliament.”

Phil Haines has asked well-wishers to donate to Save the Children rather than sending flowers to his wife as she recovers in hospital.

Phil thanked the community for their overwhelming support after confirming his wife had lost both her legs.

“She is a fighter. She is a determined person who will do her best with our support and love to recover,” he said.

“She loves flowers, but it’s a bit difficult to look after many bunches of flowers.

“We will ask people if they would like to support Helen financially to make a donation to Save the Children Fund.“

The couple is due to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary next month.

The husband of Helen Haines, Phil, will provide an update on her condition at 5pm.

He will be joined at Melbourne's Alfred Hospital by Governor-General Sam Mostyn.

Neither will be fielding media questions following the statement.

The update comes as the Independent remains in hospital recovering from surgery after she was allegedly mowed down by Brendan Nugent outside her Wangaratta electorate office on Monday.

Former NSW police commissioner Karen Webb has revealed a surge in threats directed at politicians during her tenure, tracing the uptick back to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking in the Northern Territory, NSW’s former top cop outlined the measures introduced to help protect members of parliament as hostile behaviour increased.

"Probably started seeing an increase around COVID, and we put in steps with members of parliament to educate them on hostile threats … to help educate them about things to look out for," Webb said.

"I understand parliament itself had some training in place to help MPs with their own security. But of course, if there are concerns or complaints, then police would respond."

Webb emphasised that NSW Police prioritised proactive training and risk assessments for specific threats alongside standard police responses.

Newly released footage shows Brendan Nugent leaving Wangaratta Magistrates' Court on Wednesday morning.

Nugent made no application for bail during the appearance.

Magistrate Allison Vaughan directed that he be assessed by a medical professional immediately following proceedings.

The case has been adjourned for a committal mention on February 4, with police ordered to hand over a brief of evidence by Christmas Eve.

A former classmate and football teammate of Nugent has spoken to nine.com.au, saying the 43-year-old came from a “really good family”.

The man, who remained anonymous, said it seemed Nugent had become estranged from his father, Rod, over the last few years.

“[Rod] is a really lovely fellow. This does surprise me a bit.”

Rod Nugent and his partner released a statement on Tuesday thanking the people who rushed to Haines' aid, adding that they will help out authorities however they can.

Read the full story here.