Wangaratta Mayor Irene Grant has spoken of the shock and heartbreak gripping her community after federal Independent MP Helen Haines suffered life-altering injuries in an alleged attack outside her electorate office.
Haines, 65, remains in a critical condition in The Alfred Hospital after she was struck by a Toyota LandCruiser outside her electorate office in Wangaratta, in Victoria’s northeast.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Victorian Mayor speaks out after Helen Haines’ alleged attack
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Surgeons were forced to amputate the member for Indi’s left leg hours after she sustained significant injuries.
On Wednesday her husband revealed doctors had also been unable to save her right leg, which had also been amputated.
‘Why did this happen to Helen?’
Grant said the community was struggling to comprehend the alleged attack, with residents questioning why Haines had been targeted.
“It’s extraordinarily difficult,” she said.
“I think people constantly ask me, ‘Why did this happen to Helen?’ Helen of all people.”
Despite the shock, Grant said the community had rallied together, with residents showing compassion and care for one another.
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“It’s amazing how thoughtful and caring people have been in this whole process,” she said.
Grant said the Australian Red Cross had been visiting the community to speak with residents and help them process the emotional impact of the incident.
“It’s been really difficult,” she said.
Mayor praises Phil Haines’ ‘bravery’
Haines’ husband Phil fronted the media from The Alfred Hospital on Wednesday, speaking glowingly of his wife as they prepare to mark 40 years of marriage in November.
“The good news in all of this is Helen is alive, and she’s stable. That is the most important thing for our family,” he said.
“Her heart is huge. She is a very compassionate, caring, loving person, incredibly supportive of all around her, her family, her community, anybody she comes across,” he said.
“And her mind — she has the sharpest intellect.
“She has always had the most intense desire to learn, to read, to synthesise and to understand what’s going on.
“We are grateful and thankful that at this stage both her heart and her mind are in good shape.”
Grant praised Haines’ husband Phil, for his “bravery” and “dignity” in his address.
“It was an extraordinarily difficult moment,” Grant said.
“I think it really drove home, you know, the horror of this whole situation.
“He was quite extraordinary, the way he was able to speak on Helen’s behalf, to highlight her strengths, her fighting spirit, and the wonderful person she is.”
Council condemns violence
Wangaratta Council reaffirmed its support for Haines at a meeting on Wednesday, with Grant saying councillors had “unequivocally condemned violence”.
Grant said it was important for the community to come together to understand what had happened and what had led to the incident.
Wangaratta Mayor Irene Grant said it was important for the community to come together to understand what had happened. Credit: AAP/Sunrise
The comments come after Brendan Nugent, 43, appeared in court for the first time since being charged over what authorities allege was a deliberate attack on the MP.
The Tarrawingee man is accused of dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury, and the Commonwealth offence of causing harm to a public official.
He did not apply for bail and has arrived at the Melbourne Assessment Prison, where he will remain until his next court appearance in February.
Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said the investigation is ongoing and authorities have not ruled out laying more charges should there be evidence to support further allegations.
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