Australian lawmaker loses both legs in vehicle attack

Independent Australian lawmaker Helen Haines has lost both legs in the vehicle attack, her husband said on Wednesday.

Phil Haines said the lawmaker’s both legs were amputated due to the “horrendous incident” that took place on Monday outside her office in the city of Wangaratta in Victoria state.

Describing his 65-year-old wife as “compassionate, caring, loving, supporting with sharpest intellect,” Haines told reporters at Alfred Hospital in Melbourne that the couple will celebrate their 40th marriage anniversary next month with three children and two grandchildren.

He said well-wishers of Haines who intend to support her may contribute to Save the Children Fund.

Earlier on Wednesday, Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said Haines is in stable but critical condition, adding that she “remains in very good care.”

She continues to be treated at the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne after being struck by a Toyota Land Cruiser SUV on Monday afternoon outside her office in the city of Wangaratta in Victoria state.

Police have arrested 43-year-old Brendan Nugent for attacking the lawmaker.

Nugent appeared before Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court after police filed five charges, including dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury, causing harm to a Commonwealth public official and drug-related offences.

Nugent has not applied for bail and is expected to be transferred to Melbourne Assessment Prison. He is due to appear in court again on Feb. 4 next year.

His family released a statement saying they had been friends with Haines for more than 20 years.

A joint investigation involving federal police, Victoria Police and the Australian Security Intelligence Organization (ASIO) is underway.

Claire McGuinness, ASIO's deputy director-general for intelligence service delivery, reiterated the warning that Australia's security environment was "degrading.”

"We are seeing a climate that is more permissive of violence, and as a result, acts of politically motivated violence are becoming more likely," she said.

Separately, the Australian Federal Police declared that the country was at a crossroads, facing a “tsunami” of youth crime as vulnerable and impressionable young people are radicalized online.

Police official Sandra Booth said the rapid pace at which young people are being manipulated online is becoming one of the nation’s “greatest challenges in history.”