Australian MP's husband run over reveals the first words

O mrs Haines's husband revealed what the woman's first words were after the violent hit-and-run that resulted in the amputation of her two legs.

“ His first concerns when he woke up were with his team and his gratitude for the rescuers, nurses and the people around. This reflects exactly her character,” said Allegra Spender, citing information that was transmitted to her by the victim’s husband.

“Phil told us what his first words were when he woke up after the attack,” he said, arguing that his concerns are proof of his colleague’s “empathy” that much has already been said in the corridors of parliament.

Australian independent congresswoman Helen Haines has shown improvements in her state of health and remains stable, but in a serious state, five days after an attack in which she lost both legs.

65-year-old Haines was hit last Monday by a vehicle near the office in the city of Wangaratta, Victoria, an episode that police investigate as a possible deliberate attack.

The motive of Haines' attacker remains unknown and the authorities have so far refused to make any comments on the matter as the investigation continues. The assailant was present at Wangaratta on Wednesday.

The attack has sparked an important reflection, in a country where political violence is rare, but where the police have registered a steady increase in threats and acts of violence against elected representatives in recent years.