Helen Haines attack live updates: Suspect Brendan Nugent to face court after being charged by Victoria Police

Housing Minister Clare O’Neill has revealed a rise in violent threats towards politicians has made her rethink the way she interacts with the public.

Ms O’Neill made the revelation on Sunrise while speaking about the “unprecedented, vicious, brutal and violent” attack on Helen Haines.

.“I mean literally like now I will talk to people who are pulling crazy conspiracy theories about me offline and then raising them with me in public as fact,” she said.

“So that’s the thing that I think we’ve all got to watch. This is not just about politicians,

Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie said it is essential for democracy that citizens and MPs can engage with each other.

“Clare and I punch on on policy grounds every single Wednesday morning, arguing about housing, about taxes, about issues in the Middle East,” she said.

“[We have] very different views. But we play the ball and not the woman in this case, and that is what we need to keep our eye on.”

Melbourne’s The Alfred Hospital is due to release an update on Helen Haines’ condition later today.

The most recent condition update said she was critical but stable.

Doctors at the hospital, which specialisies in emergency trauma care, are battling to save Ms Haines’s remaining leg after she lost the other on Tuesday.

Police are set to issue an update on the incident at a press conference in Melbourne this morning.

Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush and Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett will address the media at 9am AEST.

The Nightly will bring you live coverage when the conference kicks off.

Brendan Nugent is set to appear in Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court today where he will face three charges over the alleged attack on Helen Haines.

Victoria Police charged the 43-year-old with three separate charges; dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury, and the Commonwealth offence of causing harm to a Commonwealth public official.

Police confirmed in a statement provided to The Nightly on Tuesday night they are alleging the attack was targeted and deliberate.

Welcome to our rolling coverage where we will bring you latest after Independent MP Helen Haines was struck by a car outside her electoral office on Monday afternoon.

Here are the latest developments this morning:

• Victoria Police have laid three charges against suspect Brendan Nugent
• Dr Haines remains in a critical condition in hospital after it was confirmed on Tuesday she had lost a leg. Doctors are racing to save her remaining leg
• Mr Nugent is due to appear in Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday
• Victoria Police and the Australian Federal Police are expected to address the media at 9am AEST