Helen Haines stable as Parliament prepares tributes

Australian MP Helen Haines remains in serious but stable condition after both her legs were amputated following a vehicle incident outside her electorate office in Wangaratta. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is scheduled to lead parliamentary tributes to her when Parliament resumes on Monday, October 26. The Alfred Hospital reported on Saturday that Haines’s condition had improved from critical to serious but stable. Her husband, Phil Haines, said on Wednesday that the severity of her injuries meant both legs had to be amputated. He said her heart and mind were in good shape. The incident occurred on October 19, when Haines was outside her office in the Victorian town. Authorities allege Brendan Nugent drove a Toyota LandCruiser into her. He was arrested shortly afterward and has appeared in court on three charges: dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury, and causing harm to a Commonwealth public official. Police have said further charges, including attempted murder, may be considered. Victoria Police, with support from the Australian Federal Police, said the investigation was ongoing and a motive had not been established. Investigators...