MP Andy Meddick’s daughter attacked, police investigating

Police have released new details of the “argument” involving a crossbench MP’s daughter, as the Premier and Prime Minister weigh in on the incident.

Animal Justice Party's Andy Meddick. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Police are investigating after the daughter of crossbench MP Andy Meddick was attacked on Thursday night.

Kielan Meddick, 25, said she was attacked by a man for being “political”.

A spray can was thrown at her head and she suffered a 3cm gash that required three stitches.

Mr Meddick, from the Animal Justice Party, said he believed the assault was linked to his “role as an MP and the positions I have taken on the pandemic response”.

Mr Meddick has been subjected to vile abuse and death threats over his support of the state government’s controversial new pandemic management laws.

“I’ve been desperately worried about the comments, threats and intimidation that have been levelled at me and my family, as well as staff and of course, my colleagues,” he said.

“And now, my worst fears have turned into reality.”

Kielan Meddick shared details of the incident on Instagram.

Her Instagram post.

She wrote that she suffered a 3cm gash on the back of her head.

Hours after issuing his statement, a police statement appeared to cast doubt over whether the attack was motivated by Mr Meddick’s political views.

“Investigators have been told a 25-year-old woman was spray painting over a poster on Smith Street when she was approached by an unknown man about 11pm,” the statement said.

“The pair had an argument before the woman threw the spray can towards the man as she attempted to leave the scene.

“The man followed the woman and threw the spray can which struck her in the back of the head.

“The man left the scene as staff from a nearby venue rendered assistance to the woman before she attended hospital for treatment to minor injuries.”

In a series of Instagram posts, Kielan Meddick said she was attacked by a man on Smith Street in Fitzroy for being “political”.

“He chased me down the street and as I called for help he threw a spray can at my head,” she wrote in the post.

She wrote that the attack left her “bleeding a lot” and she ran into a bar for help.

Mr Meddick said claims that his daughter started the altercation that led to an assailant throwing a spray paint can at her head were “patently untrue”.

Speaking to ABC Drive on Friday afternoon, Mr Meddick said the statement released by Victoria Police did not contain all the details surrounding the ordeal.

“I just wanted to set the record straight on some of the things that are now being said … that my daughter somehow instigated this altercation,” Mr Meddick said.

“That is patently untrue.”

The Animal Justice Party MP said Keilan, who is transgender, may not have disclosed all the information to authorities due to trans people often not trusting police officers, making reference to former North Melbourne coach Dani Laidley’s legal action against Victoria police over the sharing of images of Laidley among officers.

“As a trans person, my daughter would not necessarily … have given police all the information because trans people don’t trust police generally,” he said.

Mr Meddick said Keilan was “absolutely distraught” following the attack and fears for their mental health because they had attempted self harm in the past.

“(They are) absolutely distraught and struggling, and has suffered with mental health problems in the past, and I don’t mind saying, has made attempts.”

“We’re very, very worried that this might push her into this same space.”

Mr Meddick this week called for every Victorian MP and their staff to be given private security where required, as fears grew over unprecedented abuse being directed to MPs.

He said he was fearful Victoria was on the verge of experiencing events seen recently in the UK, where British MP Sir David Amess was assassinated.

PREMIER, PM CONDEMN ATTACK

Scott Morrison branded the incident “an attack on our very democracy”.

“This is not on. It has no place in Australia,” the Prime Minister posted on Twitter.

“I join with all Australians in unequivocally condemning these actions. This is not just an attack on an innocent person but an attack on our very democracy. My thoughts — and those of all Australians – are with you Andy & your family.”

Andy Meddick discussing the pandemic laws this week. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Premier Daniel Andrews wrote on Twitter: “Our thoughts and wishes are with Kielan. We’re wishing her a quick recovery, and offer our full support to Andy Meddick and the entire family.

“Andy and I don’t agree on everything, but on this we are 100% in agreement: Violence of any form, for any reason, against any person has absolutely no place in Victoria. Ever. No double speak – it’s never OK.

“These actions are extreme, and no matter why it happened – this behaviour must be condemned and never, ever excused.”

Greens’ Samantha Ratnam and Reason’s Fiona Patten have also been targeted over the government’s proposed pandemic bill.

Ms Ratnam said: “This isn’t the first time I have been threatened and harassed by the far-right, but the level of misinformation and fear being spread right now is escalating and dangerous.”

Originally published as MP Andy Meddick’s daughter attacked, police investigating