Australian MP Helen Haines no longer in critical condition after alleged attack

Helen Haines, an independent member of Australia's federal parliament, is no longer in a critical condition five days after she was struck by a car in an alleged attack outside her electorate office.

"The patient is in a serious but stable condition at The Alfred on Saturday morning," a spokesperson for the Alfred hospital in Melbourne said.

Ms Haines, 65, who represents the rural Victorian seat of Indi in the northeast of the state, was struck by a Toyota Land Cruiser shortly after 3.30pm local time (4.30am GMT) on Monday in the town of Wangaratta, SBS reported.

She was airlifted to Melbourne, and surgeons tried to save her right leg, but both of her legs had to be amputated.

Police have charged Brendan Nugent, 43, from nearby Tarrawingee, with dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury and the federal offence of causing harm to a Commonwealth public official.

Police allege the incident was a deliberate attack. He has since been charged with cultivating and possessing cannabis, according to court documents, the Guardian reported.

Mr Nugent appeared at Wangaratta Magistrates Court on Wednesday and did not apply for bail. Prime minister Anthony Albanese said on Tuesday it was clear the incident was aimed at causing harm to Ms Haines.

Her husband, Phil Haines, gave an update at the Alfred on Wednesday. "Both her heart and her mind are in good shape," he said.

"I think when we reflect and talk about and think about Helen, the two most important parts of Helen for us as a family are her heart and her mind. Her heart is huge.”

“She is a very compassionate, caring, loving person. Incredibly supportive of all around her – her family, her community, anybody she comes across. And her mind. She has the sharpest intellect."

Her staff, several of whom saw the incident, said in a post on Ms Haines's social media accounts on Friday that they were working to reopen her electorate offices next Thursday.

"What happened on Monday has deeply affected Helen's family and all of her staff. Many of us witnessed the incident and some were among the first to come to her aid," the post said.

"As Helen takes the time she needs to recover, we will take time to look after ourselves and one another, too. Healing will take time, and we ask for your understanding as we navigate the days and weeks ahead."

The staff said they had been overwhelmed by kindness from the local community and across Australia and the world. More than A$730,000 (about £360,000) has been raised for the charity Save the Children in her honour, after Mr Haines asked people to donate to the appeal while his wife recovers.

A vigil for Ms Haines was held in the town of Wodonga on Wednesday evening, and her predecessor as the member for Indi, Cathy McGowan, said the community was grappling with "mixed emotions".