A man has been charged with intimidation after allegedly kicking political signs outside a pre-polling booth in Macquarie Park, Sydney. The incident occurred around 11am on Tuesday and was captured on video, which was subsequently shared on social media. In the footage, the man was seen throwing and kicking signs supporting Scott Yung, the Liberal candidate for Bennelong, while shouting at volunteers present.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the man approached the volunteers, expressing his frustration with crude language, stating, “All of you f—— signs that I’ve got to look at.” According to police, he intimidated a female volunteer and behaved aggressively towards two male volunteers. Fortunately, there were no physical injuries reported during this encounter. After the event was reported to authorities, a 30-year-old man was arrested the following day on Mahogany Avenue at around 1pm. He was taken to Gladesville Police Station, charged with intimidation, granted conditional bail, and is set to appear in Burwood Local Court on June 2.
In a separate incident, a teenager was arrested for assaulting a 79-year-old man at a pre-polling booth in Ashfield. The elderly man, who was wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat, reportedly became aggressive when confronted by a volunteer regarding an attempt to deface a corflute promoting Anthony Albanese. Witnesses allege that a 17-year-old, who had been observing the situation, intervened and punched the senior man. The teenager faces assault charges and has been denied bail while the elderly victim was taken to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in serious condition.
These incidents raise concerns about the rising tension and aggressive behaviour surrounding the lead-up to the elections.