Man charged over alleged assault on Liberal candidate’s husband
A man has been charged over allegedly assaulting the husband of a Victorian Liberal Party candidate during a scuffle over campaign signs.
The charges come during heightened warnings about increased threats to politicians across Australia following the alleged attack on federal MP Helen Haines.
Victorian Liberal Party candidate Amanda Dow Instagram/@amandadowyanyean
The incident on Sunday involved the husband of Amanda Dow, the Liberal Party candidate in the Victorian election for the seat of Yan Yean in outer Melbourne.
In a statement, the Victorian Liberal Party has said Dow’s husband approached a member of the public who was removing Liberal campaign signage when he was allegedly assaulted.
He suffered facial injuries and was taken to hospital and has since been discharged.
A 59-year-old man has been arrested and charged with recklessly causing injury, criminal damage and unlawful assault over the incident.
He is due to face court in February.
The alleged assault comes after Victorian Emergency Services and Police Minister Paul Edbrooke revealed on Monday he found a bullet etched with the word “rat” and his old firefighting number on his car in what he says is a clear death threat.
Victorian minister Paul Edbrooke said he received a death threat. Joe Armao
The Labor MP phoned authorities after he made the discovery in his electorate of Frankston on Sunday.
Victoria Police’s Security Investigation Unit said it was investigating what it also described as a threat.
Edbrooke, a former firefighter, has been the target of criticism following the state government’s ongoing disputes with the United Firefighters Union (UFU).
Security warnings for politicians have been raised after federal independent MP Helen Haines was struck by a car in an alleged deliberate attack outside her electorate office in Wangaratta in regional Victoria last Monday.
She was flown to hospital in critical condition and has had both legs amputated as the accused driver, 43-year-old Brendan Nugent, remains behind bars until his next court date in February.
Victoria has announced increased security for candidates ahead of the election.
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