Overview

• An elderly man in his 80s is in serious condition at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital after an alleged assault outside a pre-poll voting centre in Sydney’s Inner West.
• The man, wearing a MAGA hat, reportedly tried to vandalize an Anthony Albanese campaign sign before being confronted by a political volunteer.
• A 17-year-old passerby allegedly intervened and struck the man, leading to his fall and subsequent injury; the teenager was arrested and is assisting police with inquiries.
• The Australian Electoral Commission confirmed the incident occurred outside the polling place, did not involve its staff, and has not disrupted voting operations.
• Police have established a crime scene, collected forensic evidence, including campaign signs, and are reviewing witness statements as part of the investigation.