A conservative One Nation supporter is now hospitalised with severe injuries following a violent attack outside his own home in the Victorian suburb of Torquay.
Paramedics tended to the 60-year-old man around 7.45 p.m. on Nov. 1 after he confronted two males who allegedly attempted to damage One Nation signs in his yard.
It is alleged the pair, aged 37 and 14, were carrying a baseball bat and assaulted the older man.
The teenager has been issued with a caution, while the 37-year-old has been charged with intentionally causing an injury and other assault offences and remains in police custody.
According to a GoFundMe set up to help with the man’s recovery, he suffered multiple facial fractures in the attack, as well as bleeding on the brain.
“He runs his own business and is the family’s only income earner,” the page states.
“While he is recovering, the family has no money coming in. His work vehicle was also badly damaged in the alleged attack.”
The man’s identity has been kept private for the safety of himself and his family.
A photo showing the man’s injuries. (Courtesy of GoFundMe fundraiser)
“His family should be able to focus on his recovery without the added worry of lost income, medical costs and everyday bills,” she said.
One Nation Victorian leader Warren Pickering said the attack was un-Australian.
“Political violence or intimidation of any kind against anyone is unacceptable in this country,” he said in a statement.
“If you don’t like someone’s politics, you vote accordingly. You don’t assault them.”
Pickering said the assault came after another incident at a pub in Ballarat, which displayed One Nation signage that was vandalised, as well as parked vehicles.
“We must not let violence and threats prevent us from putting forward our views and debating frankly about the issues Victorians care about,” he said.
“I understand this is a critical election without recent precedents. I understand many Victorians are frustrated. I understand the ‘temperature’ of debate is high. None of this is an excuse for violence.”
Premier Condemns Attack
Meanwhile, Victorian Labor Premier Ben Carroll has condemned the latest attack.
“Whether you’re wearing a red, a blue, an orange, or a green T-shirt, they are volunteers, they are out there doing what they believe is right, and no one should be coming under attack,” he told media.
Victorians will go to the polls on Nov. 28.
The attack comes just weeks after federal Victorian MP Helen Haines, 65, was violently rammed outside her regional Wangaratta electorate office.
Brendan Nugent, 43, was allegedly behind the wheel of a LandCruiser that struck her twice, resulting in the loss of both her legs.
Nugent remains in police custody where he faces a number of charges relating to the incident.
