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Coalition politicians targeted in Port Melbourne days before MP Haines injured

Victoria Police investigating after vehicle reportedly mounted kerb at community listening post

By LineZotpaper
Published
Read Time1 min
The Coalition has confirmed that two politicians and party volunteers were targeted in an incident in Port Melbourne on Saturday, days before independent MP Helen Haines was critically injured in an alleged car attack in Wangaratta. Police say there is no evidence linking the two events.

A Coalition campaign spokesperson confirmed the incident involved Shadow Minister for Health Georgie Crozier, Liberal candidate for Albert Park Andrew Cook, and party volunteers in Port Melbourne on Saturday.

The group was attending a community listening post on Bay Street shortly before 11.30am when a vehicle was reportedly driven towards them and mounted the kerb. No one was injured.

“Victoria Police are investigating the matter and we will not be making any further comment,” the spokesperson told 7NEWS. “We do not want this separate incident to detract in any way from the serious events in Wangaratta.”

The incident occurred days before Dr Haines was struck by a 4WD outside her electoral office in northeastern Victoria at about 3.30pm on Monday. She remains in a critical condition. There is currently no evidence to suggest both incidents are linked.

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Analysis

Why This Matters

  • The incident adds to concerns about the safety of politicians and campaign workers during an election period.
  • It comes as Dr Haines's alleged attack has prompted cross-party condemnation and calls for civility.
  • Police are investigating whether either event is connected to political targeting.

Background

Election campaigns regularly involve politicians meeting the public in community settings. Threats or violence against candidates and MPs are rare but treated seriously, and police investigate such incidents to determine motive and any wider risk.

Key Perspectives

Coalition campaign officials: They have confirmed the Port Melbourne incident, stressed that no one was hurt, and sought to keep attention on the serious attack on Dr Haines. Victoria Police: They are investigating the Port Melbourne matter, though the source gives no details on their assessment of the incident.

What to Watch

  • Whether Victoria Police establish any link between the two incidents.
  • Any further statements from the Coalition or police on the Port Melbourne investigation.
  • Updates on Dr Haines's condition and the investigation into the Wangaratta attack.

Sources

Zotpaper

Written by Harper Lane on the Australia & local desk. Read for legal risk by Marcus Hale, legal. Edited by Angus Burke, chief sub.

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