A Victorian MP whose daughter has been attacked believes it's due to his support for pandemic laws being debated in state parliament.
A key Victorian crossbench MP says his daughter has been attacked due to his support for the pandemic laws being debated in parliament.
Animal Justice MP Andy Meddick issued a statement on Twitter that his adult daughter Kielan was attacked on the street on Thursday night and has been hospitalised.
"I have reason to believe this could be linked to my role as an MP and the positions I have taken on the pandemic response.
Read the full statement here:
Mr Meddick said he has been "desperately worried" about "comments, threats and intimidation" that have been made against his family, staff and colleagues since he announced his support for the government's pandemic bill.
"My worst fears have been turned into a reality.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison condemned the attack, tweeting:
"This is not just an attack on an innocent person but an attack on our very democracy.
"I join with all Australians in unequivocally condemning these actions."
Victorian Health Minister Martin Foley also condemned the attack while Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has also offered his support:
"Violence of any form, for any reason, against any person has absolutely no place in Victoria."
Mr Meddick's daughter posted on Instagram that she had been chased down and attacked by a man for being "political" on Smith Street in Fitzroy.
"I called for help and he threw a spray can at my head. I started bleeding a lot," she said.
Ms Meddick ran into a bar, where the staff treated her wounds before she was taken to hospital.
She said she has a three-centimetre gash on her head, which required stitches and glue.
"I'm home safe now, thank you so much for all the support," Ms Meddick said.
The bill, which gives the premier and health minister the power to declare a pandemic and issue health orders, has become a lightning rod for anti-lockdown and anti-vaccination groups.
Mr Meddick appeared with fellow crossbenchers earlier in the week showing support for amendments to the bill:
On Monday evening a crowd implied a mock execution of the premier using wooden gallows.
Mr Meddick thanked the people who helped his daughter and the carers and health workers who treated her in hospital. She has since been discharged
"She will be ok - but it will take time," he said.
He said the police are investigating the attack and asked people to respect his family's privacy.
"I do also ask that people understand and respect the fact that comments, insults, intimidation and incitement can all have very real and absolutely devastating consequences."
Last week, Mr Meddick revealed protesters had targeted his house, saying at the time:
"It's a genuine fear ... that we will see re-enactments of what has occurred in the UK where MPs are actually killed and this is something that I'm desperately trying to avoid."