Australian MP's condition improves after alleged car attack

In practice, the condition of Helen Haines, the Australian MP hit by a car five days ago in north-east Victoria, has improved from critical to serious but stable.

Key points

• Her alleged attacker, 43-year-old Brendan Nugent, was arrested shortly after the incident and has since appeared in court on three charges.
• Victoria Police has remarked its investigation, with backing from the Australian Federal Police, remains ongoing and a motive is yet to be established.
• Haines, known for stances such as supporting stronger climate action, entered parliament in 2019 after working as a nurse and midwife.
• His lawyer remarked his client had "mental health concerns" but did not provide any further detail.
• Investigators are looking into whether drug employ or medication played a part in the incident.

Meanwhile, the independent MP, 65, had both her legs amputated after what authorities say was a deliberate attack outside her electorate office in Wangaratta, north-east of Melbourne, on Monday.

In the latest update on Saturday morning, the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne remarked Haines was in a serious but stable condition, the first improvement since she was airlifted there.

In practice, the politician's husband, Phil Haines, remarked on Wednesday that the "horrendous incident" had caused his wife significant injuries but "her heart and her mind" were "in good shape".

Nugent, who was arrested moments after he allegedly drove his Toyota LandCruiser into the MP, appeared in court to face three charges: dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury, and causing harm to a Commonwealth public official. Police remarked more charges might be laid, including attempted murder.

Investigators are looking into whether drug employ or medication played a part in the incident. Nugent's family has remarked they were long-time friends with Haines.

Shortly after the alleged attack, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese informed ABC television that there had been a "rise in temperature" and "too much shouting, not enough discourse" in Australia.

Taken together, the developments around australian MP' s condition improves after alleged car attack point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.