Liberal Candidate’s Husband Allegedly Assaulted in Dispute Over Election Signs

The husband of a Victorian Liberal Party candidate was allegedly assaulted during a confrontation involving political campaign signs in Melbourne’s outer north, according to police and party officials.The Liberal Party said the incident involved the husband of Amanda Dow, the party’s candidate for the seat of Yan Yean, on Sunday afternoon in Mernda.

According to a party statement, Ms Dow’s husband approached a member of the public who was allegedly removing Liberal Party campaign signage when the confrontation occurred.

“We understand Ms Dow’s husband approached a member of the public who was removing Liberal Party campaign signage and was allegedly assaulted,” the party said.

The statement added that he suffered facial injuries, was taken to hospital for treatment, and was later discharged.
Victoria Police confirmed that a 59-year-old Mernda man had been charged in relation to the incident.

The charges include:

Recklessly causing injury
Criminal damage
Unlawful assault

Police said the incident occurred near Abundant Avenue and Bridge Inn Road at approximately 2:00pm.

“Police have been told the victim attended an address to retrieve political campaign signage when he was assaulted,” a police spokesperson said.

The accused man has been released on bail and is scheduled to appear before **Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court on February 1.

The Liberal Party said it would not be making any further comment while the matter remains before the courts.

We ask that the privacy of Ms Dow and her husband be respected while he recovers,” the party said.

The incident comes during campaigning in the marginal electorate of Yan Yean, which is currently held by Labor with a margin of 4.3 per cent.

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault.