Victorian Leaders Respond to Daylight Stabbing Incident in Melbourne CBD

Victorian Opposition Leader Brad Battin says the latest violent attack in Melbourne’s CBD should “shock” Premier Jacinta Allan into action.

It comes as Victoria’s crime rate reaches its highest peak in more than 20 years.

Horriifying CCTV footage captured the moment a woman jogs up to sushi chef Wan Lai, putting a hand on her waist before stabbing her in the chest and running away.

The attack occurred at the junction of Little Bourke and Spencer streets in the city centre about 7.40 a.m. on Oct. 2. Police confirmed on Oct. 17 that charges had been laid.

“Police conducted an extensive search of the area, arrested a woman, and seized a knife,” the police statement said.

They said a 32-year-old Melbourne woman was charged with two counts of intentionally causing injury and committing an indictable offence while on bail.

The alleged attacker appeared in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Oct. 3 and was remanded in custody.

The victim, 36-year-old Lai, had moved to Australia from Taiwan.

She said that she felt a hand on her before the stab to the chest.

The attacker was muttering words she did not understand.

Bystanders rushed to her aid as she collapsed in pain, having suffered a demopneumothorax, which causes blood and air to build up around the lungs.

“She turned to her right this time, and there was someone there—but what if she turned to her left? It could have been her heart,” Lai’s sister, Ivana Lai, said.

The victim has allegedly moved and now lives in fear, unable to work and concerned about her financial future.

Call for Action

Opposition Leader Battin said the footage “should shock Jacinta Allan into action.”

“Her broken justice system has allowed violent offenders to keep creating victims while on bail. This attack should never have happened,” he said.

The Victorian government launched stricter bail laws in March, but opponents like Battin say the laws do not go far enough.

“Our thoughts are with the victim whose life was severely impacted by this shocking event,” he said.

Battin said if his government won power at the next election, it would introduce “break bail, face jail” laws, Jack’s Law to assist the removal of knives from the street, and increase police numbers.

Premier ‘Sickened’

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan posted on social media regarding the attack.

“This act of violence on Little Bourke Street is absolutely sickening,” she said.

“I send my support to the victim of this crime and their family. No one who commits brazen, violent acts like this should be on the streets.”

Allan thanked police for their swift response.

Police to Free Up Officers

The attack comes as Victoria police recently announced measures to get more officers away from desks and on the beat.

A 24-hour state-wide crime centre is set to launch in 2026, alongside a high-tech intelligence hub.

Police say they will also bring retired officers in as reception and administration workers to free up current officers for active duty roles.

“Every day, 4,000 personnel hours are dedicated to that backroom, public counter, taking calls for the service,” Victoria Police Commissioner Mike Bush told media.

Bush said criminals needed to know they would face consequences.

“If they know they do this, this is what’s going to happen—not ‘oh, I might be able to walk away’,” he said.