ONE NATION VOLUNTEER ALLEGEDLY ATTACKED WITH BASEBALL BAT IN TORQUAY

Two people have been arrested after a volunteer for the One Nation party was allegedly assaulted with a baseball bat outside his home in Torquay, on Victoria's Surf Coast, south-west of Melbourne. Victoria Police said investigators were told the pair assaulted the man at a property on Scorpio Street at about 7.45pm on Sunday, and arrested them shortly afterwards. A 37-year-old man from Hampton Park was charged with intentionally causing injury and other assault-related offences, and was remanded in custody to appear in court again on 10 November. A 14-year-old boy was issued with a caution. Police said the volunteer was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

One Nation's Victorian leader, Warren Pickering, said the pair had interfered with election signs on the volunteer's property, calling it "un-Australian and unacceptable". One Nation's federal leader, Pauline Hanson, visited the man at University Hospital Geelong on Tuesday with Victorian deputy leader Colleen Harkin, and said his condition could be "life-threatening". Hanson alleged he had been kicked so badly that he lost consciousness and was left bleeding from his face and brain, calling it "a vicious attack". Harkin called it a "savage attack" over a campaign sign placed on the property.

The alleged attack took place during a Victorian state election campaign and amid debate in Australia over political discourse. Victorian Premier Ben Carroll called the attack "shocking" and said volunteers of all parties deserve protection. It follows an attack on federal MP Helen Haines last month that left her needing both legs amputated. Police have not detailed a motive for the Torquay attack. An online fundraiser has been set up to support the volunteer, who is self-employed, and his family.