Governor-General Sam Mostyn revealed on Thursday that she had received several abusive messages on social media following her public call for greater civility and unity in the wake of an attack on independent MP Helen Haines. The messages appeared after Mostyn and Haines’ husband, Phil Haines, spoke at The Alfred Hospital in Melbourne on Wednesday evening to update the public on Ms Haines’ condition.
Helen Haines, who represents the regional Victorian electorate of Indi, was critically injured after being deliberately struck twice by a four-wheel drive outside her electorate office earlier this month. Her family confirmed that both of her legs have been amputated as a result of the attack, although she remains in stable condition. Phil Haines told reporters that despite the trauma, his wife’s “heart and mind” remain strong.
During the Wednesday press conference, Mostyn urged Australians to embrace kindness and civility, stressing the importance of “disagreeing well” amid growing social division. “Australians have good hearts, great hearts,” she said, emphasizing the need for respectful public discourse and the dangers of descending into hostility and violence. She noted that the attack on Dr Haines reflected a broader decline in civic education and respect for public officials.
Mostyn had earlier posted messages on Instagram and Facebook offering support to Dr Haines and calling for reflection on rising incivility in political and public life. While many responses were supportive, some replies were abusive, including comments dismissing concern for Dr Haines and questioning Mostyn’s role as Governor-General. Mostyn said that such attacks, often gendered and vicious in nature, are a common experience for women in public positions and highlighted the presence of bots and fake accounts spreading abusive content online.
The man charged in connection with the attack, Brendan Nugent, has a documented history of serious mental health issues and prior interactions with Victoria Police, but authorities found no evidence in his social media posts suggesting a direct threat to MPs or a particular focus on Dr Haines. Investigators are also examining his hostility towards family members, with at least one relative expressing concern to police about potential violence.
Nugent appeared in court on Wednesday, facing multiple charges, including dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury, and causing harm to a commonwealth official, along with drug-related offences. He was remanded in custody until a hearing scheduled for February next year.
The incident has prompted renewed calls from politicians across the spectrum to address the increasing threats and harassment faced by public officials online and to foster a safer environment for democratic engagement. Mostyn has spoken with Dr Haines in recent weeks, discussing the need for a national conversation about respecting those in public service and rebuilding civility in Australian society.