Byline Independent MP Helen Haines remained in critical condition on Thursday after being hit by a four wheel drive outside her electorate office in Wangaratta, Victoria, earlier this week. Surgeons have performed amputations on both of her legs, her family and hospital officials confirmed, deepening national concern about the safety of public representatives and the motives behind the attack. What happened Police allege the 43 year old driver deliberately struck Haines as she stood near the entrance to her office on Monday afternoon. Officers arrested a local man, Brendan Nugent, who was later charged with dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury, and a federal offence of causing harm to a Commonwealth public official. Court paperwork and police statements released this week show investigators are continuing to consider additional charges. Haines was rushed to The Alfred Hospital in Melbourne where surgeons performed multiple operations. Her husband told reporters the decision was taken to amputate both legs to save her life. Hospital clinicians described her condition as critical but stable while doctors continue to manage life threatening injuries and complications from the trauma. Law enforcement response State and federal police have said the case is being treated as a targeted act while detectives probe the drivers intent and possible motives. Federal counterterrorism resources have been made available to support the investigation, reflecting the seriousness with which authorities view alleged attacks on elected officials. Police have not publicly confirmed any ideological motive and investigators have urged restraint pending forensic and witness inquiries. The accused appeared at a local magistrates court where he did not seek bail. Court documents indicate he faces further proceedings later in the year. His legal representatives have signalled they will examine his medical and mental health history as the case progresses. Political and community reaction The alleged attack has prompted an immediate national conversation about the safety of politicians, particularly those who engage directly with their communities. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and other senior figures called for calm and urged respect for due process, while also emphasising the need to "turn down the temperature" in political debate. Local vigils were held in towns across the Indi electorate and beyond, where constituents, colleagues and community leaders gathered to express shock, support and bewilderment. Former holders of the seat and neighbouring MPs described deep concern for Haines and called for concrete measures to protect staff and representatives who routinely meet members of the public in informal settings. Security debate The incident has revived scrutiny of protection arrangements for MPs who split their time between Canberra and regional electorates. Independent and small party politicians, who frequently rely on face to face engagement, say they are particularly exposed because they hold regular electorate office hours and community events. Home affairs and police officials have said they will review whether existing protocols and resources are adequate, and whether changes are needed in how threat assessments and protective measures are applied to parliamentarians working in rural and regional locations. Experts caution against immediate policy overreach, noting that many MPs already rely on risk assessments tailored to their circumstances. At the same time, family members of other targeted officials and staffers have urged nationwide discussion about online harassment and threats, which several security agencies say have increased in recent years and can precede physical attacks. Why this matters Australia has very rarely seen alleged deliberate violence against sitting federal representatives. The attack on Haines has therefore struck a chord because it challenges assumptions about the safety of political life in regional communities, where MPs often blend public service with close local ties. Beyond the immediate human cost to Haines and her family, the episode raises policy questions about the balance between accessibility and protection for public servants, and about the role of online rhetoric in inflaming real world harm. What comes next Investigators are continuing forensic enquiries, interviewing witnesses and examining the accuseds recent movements and communications. The accused is due back in court for procedural hearings, and investigators will decide whether to seek additional charges, potentially including attempted murder, as evidence is analysed. Parliamentary leaders across the spectrum said they would await the outcome of police work before drawing conclusions about motive or culpability. In the meantime, community groups and MPs have called for a national reflection on how to reduce threats and support those serving in public life. The coming days are likely to see further hospital updates on Haines condition, additional details from investigators as they assemble the evidence, and renewed debate inside federal and state corridors of power about how to prevent similar incidents. For many in Indi and across the country, the immediate priority is practical: supporting Haines and her family as she fights to recover, while policymakers and law enforcement aim to understand why this attack happened and how to stop another one happening in future.