Who is Brendan Nugent? 43-year-old climate campaigner with rare neurological condition in custody after attacking Australian MP Helen Haines

The man arrested on suspicion of attacking Australian member of parliament (MP) Helen Haines has been identified as an environmental campaigner, with his family saying they have been friends with the politician for decades. Haines, aged 65, was hospitalized in a serious condition and had both her legs amputated after Brendan Nugent, 43, hit her with his car in Wangaratta city on Monday (Oct. 19). Anti-terrorism police are currently investigating the case, but have not yet revealed a motive.

Nugent's family issues statement

The suspect's father, Rod Nugent, and his partner, Christine Cunningham, issued a statement on Tuesday saying the attack was "devastating and unfathomable." They described Haines as "a deeply respected, valued and much loved member of our local community."


The couple added: "Helen has been our friend for more than 20 years and what happened to her yesterday is devastating and unfathomable. All of our love and all of our thoughts are with Helen and her family and friends...We will be assisting Victoria Police in any way we can."

Nugent lives with a disability

Victoria Police on Tuesday said that a 43-year-old man from Tarrawingee town had been taken into custody on Monday afternoon. Nugent appeared to be a longtime local to the Indi electorate that Haines had represented since 2019, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported.

Nugent had posted on social media about the environment and politics for several years, and was an active member of the group Save Our Strathbogie Forest. He reportedly followed a significant number of climate-related groups online.

According to online records, Nugent played football for the Wangaratta High School in his youth. Since at least 2022, Nugent has claimed to be living with a disability and suffering "chronic pain", saying that he was "constantly broke" from the associated costs.

The attack on Helen Haines

Haines, an Independent MP for Indi, a rural electorate north of Melbourne, was taken to a hospital after being struck by a vehicle outside her office in Wangaratta on Monday. Witness Ricky Jefferies ran from his shop, restraining the suspect and removing a knife from him, according to the Australian media.

Who is Helen Haines?

Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese told a news conference Monday that it was too early to ascertain the motive behind the attack. Helen Haines, a former nurse and midwife, has served as an MP since 2019. She was re-elected in 2022 and again in 2025.

She spent three decades working in rural healthcare before entering politics. According to a biography on her website, Haines lives with her husband on a small working farm.