Helen Haines, the independent Member of Parliament for the Victorian seat of Indi, has undergone the amputation of both legs following a serious incident earlier this week in Wangaratta. The attack occurred outside her local office when she was struck by Brendan Nugent, a man from nearby Tarrawingee, who now faces multiple charges including intentionally causing serious injury.

Speaking from The Alfred hospital in Melbourne on Thursday, Mr. Phil Haines, Helen Haines’ husband of nearly 40 years, provided an update on her condition and expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support they have received. Initially, only her left leg had been amputated after the incident on Monday, but surgeons were later forced to remove her right leg as well. Despite the severe injuries, Mr. Haines said his wife’s most vital qualities—her “heart and mind”—remain intact.

“The most important thing for our family is that Helen is alive and stable,” he said. “Her heart is huge—she is incredibly compassionate and supportive of her family and community—and her mind remains sharp, with an intense desire to learn and understand the world around her.” He described Helen Haines as a determined fighter who will face a challenging road to recovery.

Mr. Haines extended thanks to medical personnel at Wangaratta Hospital and The Alfred, emergency services, the MP’s staff, and members of the local and wider communities. “We have received thousands upon thousands of messages of love and support from across Australia and internationally,” he said. He encouraged well-wishers to consider donating to Save the Children rather than sending flowers, noting Helen’s fondness for gardening and recent planting of bulbs in their garden.

Governor-General Sam Mostyn, present during the press briefing, spoke of her recent visit with Dr. Haines to a bushfire recovery hub within her electorate and reflected on the overwhelming kindness shown by many in the wake of the incident. She highlighted the contrast between the harmful actions of a single individual and the widespread compassion exhibited by thousands of Australians.

“When this was first breaking, the instinct of Helen’s office was to acknowledge the many thousands of people showing care and love for Helen and her family, despite the devastating consequences caused by one person,” Mostyn said. She extended the nation’s sympathy to Helen Haines and her family, emphasizing the comfort they have found in the support expressed both within Australia and globally.

The legal proceedings concerning Brendan Nugent are ongoing as the community and political circles continue to rally around the injured MP and her family during this difficult time.