A volunteer for the One Nation party was allegedly attacked with a baseball bat at his home in Torquay, Victoria, according to police and party statements. The incident, which occurred Sunday evening, has drawn strong condemnation from One Nation leaders who claim the assault was motivated by the victim displaying party signs on his property.
Victoria Police stated that a 60-year-old man was assaulted with a baseball bat at a property on Scorpio Street around 7:45 p.m. The volunteer was subsequently taken to the hospital.
One Nation Victoria leader Warren Pickering called the alleged attack "un-Australian" and asserted that "political violence or intimidation of any kind against anyone is unacceptable in this country." He indicated that signs displayed on the property were interfered with prior to the incident.
Party leader Pauline Hanson visited the volunteer in the hospital and spoke emotionally with reporters on Tuesday. She revealed the victim's resilience and his continued commitment to the party, stating he "wants to go right back out there and put the signs up once this is all over." Hanson reiterated that the display of One Nation signs was the apparent reason for the attack.
The alleged assault comes just weeks before Victorians are scheduled to vote in an election, a timing that has raised concerns about political violence amid the campaign period.