Man charged with attack on Australian MP as suspect's father says she is family friend

A 43-year-old man has been charged after Australian MP Helen Haines was hit by a car in the state of Victoria on Monday.
The suspect will appear in court on Wednesday to face charges of dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury and the federal offence of causing harm to a public official.
Local media earlier named the alleged attacker as environmental activist Brendan Nugent. His father and his partner said they had been friends with Haines "for more than 20 years" and thanked residents and officers who helped her after the "shocking and horrific crime".
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