A 60-year-old One Nation volunteer has reportedly been hospitalised after allegedly being attacked with a baseball bat during a confrontation over vandalised political campaign signs in Victoria.
The disturbing incident comes just weeks before Victoria’s state election, raising fresh concerns about escalating political tensions and the safety of campaign volunteers.
According to reports, the confrontation began after a teenager allegedly vandalised One Nation election signs. The situation reportedly escalated into violence, with the 60-year-old volunteer allegedly struck with a baseball bat.
The volunteer was subsequently taken to hospital, although the full extent of their injuries has not been independently confirmed.
“One Nation has been made aware of an alleged vicious attack on one of our volunteers at his home in Torquay, Victoria,” a spokesperson said. “Our thoughts are with him and his family as he remains in hospital.
“Political violence of any kind is unacceptable. No Australian should face violence or intimidation because of their political beliefs.”
The alleged attack is the latest in a troubling series of incidents involving political campaigners and volunteers in the lead-up to the November 28 election.
It comes after One Nation’s Victorian leader Warren Pickering condemned political violence and called for respectful disagreement, warning that growing frustration among voters is no excuse for vandalism.
“The damage of private property will not be condoned,” Pickering said in a video posted before the attack. He described the upcoming election as a “genuine three-way contest”, reflecting a state filled with people passionate about their political beliefs.
“But the damaging of private property and campaign materials is not reflective of the Australian value set,” he said. “It is not good enough. We need to be better.”
Last month, the husband of Liberal candidate Amanda Dow was hospitalised with facial fractures after allegedly being assaulted while attempting to retrieve campaign signs in Melbourne’s northern suburbs.
A 59-year-old man was subsequently charged with reckless cause injury, criminal damage and unlawful assault over that incident.
Victorian Premier Ben Carroll condemned the violence, insisting that everyone involved in the democratic process deserved to feel safe, regardless of their political allegiance.
“Whether you are wearing a green shirt, red shirt, or a blue shirt, whether you’re a volunteer, a candidate or a family member, everyone should be safe and secure leading into this election,” he said.
The incidents have added to growing concerns about political hostility in Australia, particularly following the devastating attack on independent federal MP Helen Haines in Wangaratta last month.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has urged Australians to lower the temperature of political debate, warning about increasing anger, abuse and violence in the community.
While political disagreements are an inevitable part of election campaigns, the latest alleged assault serves as another disturbing reminder of the dangers facing ordinary Australians who volunteer their time to support the parties and candidates they believe in.
Regardless of political persuasion, nobody should face violence simply for participating in the democratic process.
