Man charged after assault on Liberal candidate's husband in Victoria

A 59-year-old man has been arrested and charged following an alleged assault on the husband of Amanda Dow, the Liberal Party candidate for the Yan Yean seat in the upcoming Victorian state election.

The incident occurred in Mernda on a Sunday afternoon when the victim reportedly approached an individual who was removing Liberal Party campaign signage. The victim sustained facial injuries, including fractures, and was treated at a hospital before being discharged.

The accused faces charges of reckless cause injury, criminal damage, and unlawful assault. He has been granted bail and is scheduled to appear in Heidelberg Magistrates' Court on February 1.

Victorian Premier Ben Carroll described the incident as “shocking” and met with police and electoral officials to discuss safety measures for candidates and their families. The state election is scheduled for November 28.