Man with ‘significant mental health issues’ appears in court after Centrelink worker is stabbed and left fighting for her life
- Woman, 55, attacked in Airport West, Melbourne
- Police said she sustained suspected stab wounds
- A 34-year-old man was arrested nearby
- Woman identified as Centrelink worker
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A man who allegedly stabbed a Centrelink work has ‘significant mental health issues’, a court has heard.
The alleged attacker, Elijah Chase, 34, appeared at Melbourne Magistrates Court by video link on Tuesday night over the ‘totally unprovoked attack’.
The 55-year-old woman was attacked at the welfare agency on Louis Street, Airport West in Melbourne’s north-west at about 1.30pm on Tuesday.
She was rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries – with dramatic photos showing the scene swarming with Victoria Police officers in bulletproof vests.
A 55-year-old woman is in critical condition after she was stabbed at Centrelink in Airport West, Melbourne (pictured, police emerge from the Centrelink)
A 34-year-old man from Essendon was arrested and is assisting police with their investigation into the horrific stabbing on Tuesday
Chase, who was wearing a white jumpsuit at Broadmeadows Police Station, was remanded in custody before being told to appear in person at court on Wednesday, the Herald Sun reported.
He reportedly refused to engage with medical officers after he was arrested.
The Magistrates Court was told of Chase’s ‘significant mental health issues’.
‘A 34-year-old Essendon man has been charged with intentionally cause serious injury, recklessly cause serious injury, reckless conduct endangering life, common law assault and use and possession of controlled weapon,’ Victoria Police said.
‘This is a very sad day for our agency and our staff who come to work every day to support Australians,’ Services Australia general manager Hank Jongen said.
‘They should be free to do their job without concern for their personal safety.’
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It remains unclear why the man attacked the woman, who had previously worked with Medicare.
A witness, Sarah, told Radio 3AW she was almost ‘bowled over’ by a police car amid the chaos.
‘As I was walking out of the shopping centre I overheard some people saying “oh, golly gosh, that’s not good”,’ she said.
Victorian police rushed to Centrelink Airport West after a woman was stabbed inside on Tuesday
‘Everyone was looking over to a certain area where the bus stops are.’
A 34-year-old man from Essendon has been arrested and is assisting police with their investigation.
‘A crime scene has been set up while police work to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident,’ a Victoria Police spokeswoman said.
Mr Jongen said Services Australia, which oversees Centrelink, ‘is supporting staff and customers’ after the alleged attack.
‘Our hearts are with the injured service officer and their loved ones. Thankfully, they are in a stable condition and receiving the best possible care.
‘The alleged offender was promptly apprehended by Victorian Police, who we are working closely with,’ he said.
The agency has arranged social worker support for staff and customers who witnessed the incident.
‘Our immediate priority is to support all our staff who were impacted by today’s incident, as well as our broader agency staff who serve Australians in every corner of the country,’ Mr Jongen said.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
