A 29-year-old man has been charged after allegedly assaulting Cumberland City Council Mayor Steve Christou outside a polling place.

In a statement, the mayor said the alleged attack on election day is “a sad indictment” on the state of politics.

“This is not the Australia I know and love” (full statement below).

Mayor Christou told Jim Wilson he’s “in good spirits” despite the incident, ready to put it behind him “and get on with the task” of governing his community.

“I’m disappointed in Labor Councillor Ola Hamed shoving a video behind this bloke, and following us around … inciting the problem.

“Where has politics in this country got to, when we have another elected representative and candidate carrying on like this?”

Press PLAY below to hear the Mayor’s account of the alleged attack

Full statement from the Mayor:

“I want to thank all the people concerned about my welfare after I was assaulted outside a polling booth at Merrylands Public School yesterday. I am recovering at home and doing well.

“As this incident is under police investigation, I am unable to comment further on this matter, however, I will say that yesterday, we saw the ugly side of politics.

“I think it is very sad indictment on where politics are going in Australia where we see election candidates, who have put themselves forward to serve the community, can be assaulted outside a polling booth.

“I did not know this person and did nothing to antagonise him. There is never any justification for violence and people should respect each other’s views.

“This is not the Australia I know and love.

“I look forward to the police findings.

“Mayor Steve Christou.”

Image: Cumberland City Council