Victorian politician Fiona Patten targeted with ‘horrific’ vandalism

A state MP says her office windows will need to be replaced after an “extremist” vandal took aim at her voting record on Victoria’s lockdown powers.

A vandal targeted Reason Party Leader Fiona Patten's Brunswick office on Wednesday.

Taxpayers are set to fork out thousands to repair “horrific” vandalism directed at the office of a key crossbench MP.

Reason Party Leader Fiona Patten’s Brunswick office was on Wednesday targeted by a masked vandal, who glued a number of signs on the front window of the office.

The signs read: “Are you proud of forcing parents into child abuse”, “You must raise a motion of no confidence”, and “When will you say enough – sack him!”.

It comes just weeks after the Upper House MP enacted a social media pause due to becoming the subject of vile online attacks.

This sign was glued to the window of Fiona Patten’s office.

One of the signs at Ms Patten's office.

Speaking to the Herald Sun, Ms Patten said she believed the attack may have been sparked in response to her support of the state of emergency extension.

Key crossbenchers in the Upper House – including Animal Justice Party MP Andy Meddick and Greens leader Samantha Ratnam – have all been the subject of recent abuse because they provided the state government with a deciding vote.

The masked vandal was caught on camera.

The damage from the glue at Ms Patten's Brunswick office.

Ms Patten said her office regularly received “horrific abuse”.

“It is so sad that people feel they can behave like that yet wish to be treated with decency. We will always here show people the decency and respect they deserve,” she said.

“Abuse – verbal, written, vandalism – is not acceptable. Vigorous public discussion about ideas and policies is magnificent.

“We choose to focus on the positive aspects, and are going to go straight to the community with our message, as well, of course, continuing to engage fully with mainstream media.

Ms Patten says her office regularly receives ‘horrific abuse’.

“I know this has been a challenging two years for everyone. Extremists will never stop my efforts to make life better and fairer for all Victorians. And yes, even trolls.”

Ms Patten said the front windows would need to be replaced as the glue used in the attack could not be removed.

“Replacing the front windows … will waste thousands of taxpayer dollars,” she added.

Originally published as Victorian politician Fiona Patten targeted with ‘horrific’ vandalism