A Liberal candidate's husband has suffered facial fractures in an alleged assault involving an election campaign sign that's been described as ''shocking'' by Victoria's premier.
Premier Ben Carroll told reporters on Tuesday all candidates and family members deserved to be safe leading into the state election.
Standing beside nursing union representatives, Mr Carroll made the remarks as he announced reforms aimed at protecting healthcare workers from violent patients.
The incident on Sunday afternoon involved the husband of Amanda Dow, the Liberals' candidate for the outer-suburban seat of Yan Yean, a Liberal Party spokesperson said.
''We understand Ms Dow's husband approached a member of the public who was removing Liberal Party campaign signage, and was allegedly assaulted," the spokesperson said late on Monday.
“He suffered facial injuries and was taken to hospital and was discharged today."
Mr Carroll said the incident was "shocking".
He met with Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush and Victorian Electoral Commissioner Sven Bluemmel to discuss safety measures ahead of the election period.
"Whether you are wearing a green shirt, red shirt, or a blue shirt, whether you're a volunteer (or) a candidate or a family member, everyone should be safe and secure leading into this election," Mr Carroll told reporters on Tuesday.
A 59-year-old man has been arrested over the incident in Mernda and charged with reckless cause injury, criminal damage and unlawful assault.
"Police have been told the victim attended an address to retrieve political campaign signage when he was assaulted," a Victoria Police spokesperson said.
The accused has been bailed to face Heidelberg Magistrates' Court on February 1.
Labor's plan will see a $30 million package for hospital security upgrades to improve lighting and CCTV, and install duress alarms.
Hospitals will also have the power to ban people from their sites.
It's being made possible under an extension of the government's Workplace Protection Orders scheme, which is already in place for retail and transport workers.
"I am very clear wherever you work particularly in our hospital system, that nurse could be someone's mother, sister or brother. They are there to help and support you," Mr Carroll said.
It comes as community violence has been thrust into the spotlight following the horrific alleged attack on federal MP Helen Haines.
The independent member for Indi was struck repeatedly by a four-wheel drive outside her Wangaratta office last Monday, and had both her legs amputated as a result.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has since urged the nation to ''turn the temperature down''.
In a statement on Thursday, he noted a rise in anger, abuse and violence in recent years, saying anyone working in retail could attest to it.
Victorian Labor, seeking a historic fourth term in office at the November 28 election, trails the Liberal-National coalition by 10 points on a two-party preferred basis, according to the latest Newspoll published on Monday.
Opposition Leader Jess Wilson described the alleged assault of Ms Dow's husband as "absolutely horrific", while asking the public to respect the Liberal candidate's requests for privacy.
Ms Wilson said she had received additional security as part of the election campaign but had not personally experienced any threats.
"It's incumbent on all political leaders to take the temperature down in this state," she told reporters.
