A man has been charged after a One Nation volunteer was allegedly attacked with a baseball bat outside his Torquay home, prompting the party’s Victorian leader to condemn political violence and call for peaceful debate ahead of the state election.
The 60-year-old volunteer was taken to hospital following the alleged assault on Sunday, November 1. One Nation says the confrontation began after people interfered with campaign signs on his property.
A 37-year-old Hampton Park man has been charged with intentionally causing injury and other assault-related offences. He was remanded to appear at Geelong Magistrates’ Court on November 10. A 14-year-old boy who was also arrested received a caution, according to published reports quoting Victoria Police.
In a media release dated November 3, One Nation’s Victorian leader Warren Pickering described the alleged attack as “un-Australian” and said political differences could never justify violence.
“Political violence or intimidation of any kind against anyone is unacceptable in this country,” Mr Pickering said.
“If you don’t like someone’s politics, you vote accordingly. You don’t assault them.”
Mr Pickering said the party was concerned for the volunteer and his family.
“Our thoughts are with our volunteer and his family. We’re informed he has serious injuries. This attack is un-Australian and unacceptable.”
A fundraising appeal shared by the “Pauline Hanson’s Please Explain” Facebook page describes the injured man as a husband, father of two young children and self-employed business owner who provides his family’s only income.
The appeal says he suffered multiple facial fractures and bleeding on the brain, faces a lengthy recovery and cannot work. It also alleges his work vehicle was badly damaged during the incident.
Those detailed medical and financial claims come from the appeal. Police have described the man’s injuries as non-life-threatening, while the Herald Sun reported he was taken to Geelong Hospital in a serious but stable condition.
The appeal states,
“His family should be able to focus on his recovery without the added worry of lost income, medical costs and everyday bills.”
The organisers say his identity is being withheld to protect him and his family, and that donations will go directly to the family to help with expenses during his recovery.
Victoria’s Opposition Leader Jess Wilson condemned the alleged attack, describing it as “absolutely appalling”.
“The alleged attack on a One Nation volunteer in Torquay is absolutely appalling.
My thoughts are with the victim and his family, and I wish him a full and speedy recovery.
Every Victorian has the right to express their political views and support the party of their choice without fear of violence or intimidation.
We can disagree strongly about politics, but violence is never the answer.
This is now a police matter, and the investigation must be allowed to take its course,” Ms Wilson said in a statement.
One Nation’s statement also referred to a separate vandalism incident involving a historic Ballarat pub displaying party signs and nearby parked vehicles. The party did not establish a connection between that incident and the alleged Torquay assault.
Mr Pickering urged candidates, parties and supporters to uphold democratic principles and participate in peaceful debate.
“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.
He acknowledged that political tensions were high but said frustration did not excuse violence.
“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 Ben Carroll has also condemned the alleged assault and said election volunteers should feel safe. He said the electoral commissioner and chief commissioner were coordinating election safety measures, without disclosing operational details.
One Nation has linked the confrontation to interference with its campaign signs. The alleged attacker’s political affiliation or motive has not been independently established in the material reviewed.
The fundraising appeal shared by Hanson is available on GoFundMe.
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