Helen Haines stable after losing both legs in Wangaratta crash

Independent MP Helen Haines is now in a serious but stable condition.

The Alfred Hospital in Melbourne released the update on Saturday morning. A hospital spokesperson said the patient's status had improved from critical to serious but stable. Haines represents the Victorian seat of Indi. She was struck by a car in Wangaratta on Monday afternoon. Surgeons attempted to save her right leg but amputated both limbs due to the severity of her injuries.

Police charged Brendan Nugent, 43, with dangerous driving causing serious injury on Tuesday. They also charged him with intentionally causing serious injury and the commonwealth offence of causing harm to a public official. Court documents show he faces two additional charges for cultivating and possessing cannabis. Nugent appeared at Wangaratta magistrates court on Wednesday and did not apply for bail.

Phil Haines, Haines's husband, spoke outside the hospital on Wednesday. He described his wife's heart and mind as the two most important parts of her identity. "Both her heart and her mind are in good shape," he said. He noted that Haines has a huge heart and the sharpest intellect. Haines's staff posted a social media update on Friday. They said the events of Monday deeply affected the team. Many staff witnessed the incident and some were first to help. The post stated that while Haines recovers, the team will take time to look after themselves. They expressed gratitude for the kindness shown by the Indi community and people worldwide.

More than $730,000 has been raised for Save the Children in Haines's honour. Her husband encouraged donors to give to the charity's special appeal while she recovers. Staff said they hope to reopen the electorate offices next Thursday. They asked for understanding in the coming days and weeks as the team adjusts.

The incident has sparked discussion across Australian politics regarding security risks for MPs and mental health services in regional Victoria. In Western Australia, police charged a 56-year-old man days after the Wangaratta incident. He allegedly threatened staff and wielded nunchucks at the office of state local government minister Hannah Beazley. A community vigil for Haines was held in Wodonga on Wednesday evening. Cathy McGowan, Haines's predecessor as the member for Indi, attended the event. She said the community was dealing with mixed emotions.

The next scheduled event is the potential reopening of Haines's electorate office next Thursday.