Sickening moment political campaigner is viciously kicked and punched while handing out how-to-vote cards

By CHARLOTTE MCINTYRE FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA

Published: 12:39 BST, 1 May 2025 | Updated: 12:43 BST, 1 May 2025

A Trumpet of Patriots volunteer has been punched and kicked by a cyclist in a sickening attack at a pre-polling booth ahead of Saturday’s election.

The shocking attack unfolded at a pre-polling centre at a Pakenham church, in Melbourne’s south-east on Thursday morning.

Footage showed the man confronting the volunteer who was wearing a yellow T-shirt in support of Clive Palmer’s political party before assaulting him.

‘We are built on multiculturalism,’ the cyclist yelled. 

‘These ads … aren’t what Australia is about. This is not uniting Australia, this is dividing Australia. This party is a scam.’ 

The violence unfolded in fronted of shocked voters waiting in line. 

‘Cut it out!’  the man filming can be heard shouting.

‘I’ve got you on camera. You struck first.’

Just in: A Trumpet of Patriots volunteer has been punched and kicked at Melbourne Pre-Poll Booth. Video taken by bystanders shows the man was opposed TOP’s plan to cut mass immigration by record levels in Australia. The man can be heard yelling Australia was built on… pic.twitter.com/P8iWERZJ7f

— Rukshan Fernando (@therealrukshan) May 1, 2025

A cyclist kicked and punched a Trumpet of Patriots volunteer at a pre-polling booth in Melbourne  on Thursday

A woman off-camera can be heard telling everyone to calm down as tempers threatened to escalate. 

Victoria Police confirmed they are investigating the incident.

‘No one required medical treatment. A vehicle was also damaged. The exact circumstances are being investigated,’ a spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia. 

No arrests or charges have yet been laid.

Right-wing political commentator Rukshan Fernado shared the footage to social media and claimed the cyclist returned to the pre-polling booth after he was questioned by police. 

The cyclist reportedly asked volunteers if he could make a donation to charity as an apology for his actions.

Trumpet of Patriots party leader Suellen Wrightson has since condemned the attack.

‘Today’s act of violence against a polling booth volunteer is appalling. Democracy is a contest of ideas that political participants present to the Australian people,’ she wrote on X.

‘All Australians are entitled to be safe when participating in an election supporting a party they believe will grow and shape the nation they love. 

‘I can confirm the victim is currently receiving medical support. Love will always conquer hate.’

Senator for Victoria Ralph Babet added: ‘Australia is standing on the edge of political chaos. The left has spiraled into extremism, their actions increasingly aggressive and intolerant.’

Trumpet of Patriots party leader Suellen Wrightson (pictured) branded the incident ‘appalling’

Senator for Victoria Ralph Babet (pictured left with party founder Clive Palmer and Ms Wrightson) condemned the attack

‘They lack the ability to reason or engage with anyone whose views fall outside their narrow world view. Their rhetoric and actions have become dangerous, pushing us closer to a tipping point.’

The senator warned of the possibility of ‘civil unrest’ as a result of ‘political and social division’ being ‘at an all-time high’.

‘This isn’t alarmism – it’s the reality we face if we don’t resist the left,’ Senator Babet added.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Trumpet of Patriots for comment.

The latest saga comes after the party inundated millions of Australian voters last week with text messages.

The party sent about 17 million text messages and received 8000 complaints.

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Sickening moment political campaigner is viciously kicked and punched while handing out how-to-vote cards

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