The 65-year-old independent politician remains in critical condition at a Melbourne hospital, where she was transported by helicopter following Monday’s attack in her hometown of Wangaratta, Victoria.

Her husband, Phil Haines, provided the family’s first public update on her condition, revealing the extent of her injuries and the difficult medical decisions made in the days following the incident.

According to her husband, doctors amputated Haines’ left leg on Monday, shortly after the attack. Her right leg was amputated Wednesday after medical specialists determined it could not be saved.

Despite the severity of her injuries, the family expressed relief that she had survived and was showing signs of stability.

“The good news in all this is that Helen is alive and she’s stable. That is the most important thing for our family,” Phil Haines told reporters in Melbourne.

He also expressed gratitude that his wife’s heart and cognitive functions appeared to be unaffected.

“We are grateful and thankful that at this stage, both her heart and her mind are in good shape,” he said.

In an emotional reflection, he noted that the couple would celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary in November.

The attack occurred Monday when Haines was struck by a Toyota Land Cruiser SUV outside her electoral office in Wangaratta.

Authorities have described the incident as a suspected deliberate act, although investigators have not established a motive.

Suspect Appears in Court

Earlier Wednesday, a 43-year-old man identified as Brendan Nugent appeared before the Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court in connection with the attack.

Nugent, who is from the nearby community of Tarrawingee, faces charges of intentionally causing serious injury, dangerous driving causing serious injury and causing harm to a federal official.

During the court appearance, Nugent did not enter a plea or apply for bail.

He was remanded in custody and is expected to return to court in February.

His lawyer, Chirag Patel, told Magistrate Allison Vaughan that his client was experiencing possible mental health issues and had suffered a concussion.

However, the defense attorney did not explain how Nugent sustained the reported head injury.

Police have not determined what motivated the alleged attack, and the charges remain subject to court proceedings.

Renewed Concerns Over Political Violence

The incident has intensified concerns about the safety of elected representatives in Australia, where lawmakers have traditionally maintained close contact with the public.

Haines, who was first elected to federal Parliament in 2019, has represented her constituents as an independent lawmaker.

The severity of her injuries has brought renewed attention to the risks faced by politicians amid growing concerns about threats and hostility directed toward public officials.

As the criminal investigation continues, Haines remains under intensive medical care, with her family focused on her survival and recovery.

Her husband’s update has provided a measure of reassurance about her condition, even as the lawmaker faces a lengthy and challenging recovery following the loss of both legs.