Helen Haines live updates: Alleged attacker Brendan Nugent to face court in Wangaratta this morning

Helen Haines, a respected Australian politician, was critically injured in an alleged attack that has appalled politicians nationwide. The assailant, Brendan Nugent, is set to face Wangaratta Magistrates Court this morning at 9:30 AM, charged with dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury, and causing harm to a Commonwealth public official.

Victoria's premier, Tracee Hutchison, has announced that she will not seek re-election in the upcoming state election in November, despite winning almost a quarter of first preferences during a by-election held in May. Hutchison has cited the rising violence towards women as the reason for her decision. She spoke to AAP about her distress for Ms. Haines and shared her personal experience of "a sustained, organised harassment and bullying campaign."

Hutchison reported threats and feeling unsafe to the Victorian Electoral Commission every day during the pre-polling process. However, she noted that there is no framework for the officers to take any action other than arriving at the polling booth and instructing everyone to behave. Once they return inside, the harassment continues.