Public servant wounded in alleged Sydney stabbing 'doing well'

A New South Wales public servant wounded in an alleged stabbing at work is "recovering in hospital and doing well", Service NSW has said.

The 54-year-old was taken to hospital after the incident at the Service NSW office in Haymarket in the Sydney CBD on Friday morning.

Mahmoud Salhab, 37, from southwest Sydney, did not appear at Parramatta Bail Court yesterday after he was charged with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

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His lawyer, Javid Faiz, requested his client be transferred to a mental health facility, under section 25 of the Cognitive Impairment Act 2020.

"He's mentally not in a stable position," Faiz told the court, adding that Surry Hills Police Station where he is currently detained "had some concerns for their protection". 

Magistrate John Bailey denied the request on the basis there was "insufficient information" to make the order.

Instead, he requested a psychiatric report be made available for the next court date.

Outside court, Faiz told reporters his client had experienced mental health issues "for quite some time now". 

"He's undergone treatment in the past," Faiz added.

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The Service NSW employee suffered lower back, chest and shoulder wounds during the alleged attack and underwent surgery at St Vincent's Hospital.

Salhab did not make an application for bail and bail was formally refused.

The matter was adjourned to be heard at the Downing Centre Local Court on June 23.

Service NSW said the Haymarket office would remain closed on Monday this week before re-opening on Tuesday, May 9, at 8.30am.

Customers in the CBD on Monday are advised to visit the Wynyard Service Centre instead.

Crisis support is available from Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Support is available from Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.