Tensions reach boiling point as elderly man is allegedly assaulted outside an inner-city polling booth

Published on: April 23, 2025

By MAX ALDRED FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA

Published: 08:07 BST, 23 April 2025 | Updated: 08:22 BST, 23 April 2025

An elderly man has been left in a serious condition after tensions erupted outside a polling booth in Anthony Albanese’s electorate.

Police rushed to an early voting centre at Ashfield Town Hall in Sydney’s Inner West about 1pm on Wednesday after reports of an alleged assault.

Paramedics treated a man – believed to be in his 80’s – at the scene.

He was then taken to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in a serious condition.

The man had been wearing a Make America Great Again hat and allegedly was aggressive towards a volunteer offering how-to-vote pamphlets.

He then allegedly approached a Labor corflute bearing Mr Albanese’s image with intent to deface it.

A teenager then allegedly crossed the road and hit the elderly man.

Officers arrested a 17-year-old boy at the scene who was taken to Burwood Police Station where he is assisting with inquiries.

A crime scene has been established at the scene which will be examined by police.

Police are urging anyone with information or footage relating to the alleged assault to contact Burwood Police Station or Crime Stoppers.

An elderly male has been left in a serious condition following an alleged assault outside a polling booth (stock image)