“I have already refunded the money for the sign to Dr Ryan’s campaign, and a bit extra.”

A spokesperson for Ryan’s campaign confirmed that a donation made by Malham had been rejected and his money refunded.

Respect Victoria chair Professor Kate Fitz-Gibbon said the clip showed a gendered threat directed at a woman in public life and that nobody should dismiss the attack as being “just politics”.

“Violence and threats directed at women – whether online or in real life – create a climate of fear,” Fitz-Gibbon said.

“This video is a stark reminder of the breadth of harmful misogynistic attitudes across the community.

“What we saw in that video was not just vandalism – it was a chilling display of misogyny and intimidation.”

Despite violence against women and girls being declared a national crisis last year, Fitz-Gibbon said there had been no leadership shown on the issue during the federal election campaign.

Ryan – a paediatric neurologist, researcher and professor prior to her political career – said the video was deeply concerning, but not an isolated incident.

“We’ve seen groups from both within and outside Kooyong stoking division through aggressively negative advertising,” she said.

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“It’s creating a climate of hostility that is distressing to candidates, volunteers and the broader community.

“I’m aware that similar incidents have also affected my opponent, and I unequivocally condemn this behaviour in all its forms. There’s no place in Australian electoral campaigns or society for violence and aggression.”

In a statement to this masthead, the Epworth said: “Professor Malham is a private medical specialist who like all surgeons operates at, but is not employed by, Epworth.

“Epworth [has] asked Professor Malham for an explanation. We are making no further comment as it is a matter for Professor Malham.”

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Liberal Party sources, who are not authorised to speak publicly, said the man in the video was not a party member, while a spokesperson condemned the content.

“There’s no place in politics for the destruction of campaign signs or any kind of intimidation – regardless of who the candidate or party is. Respectful debate and democratic participation are the cornerstones of a healthy political system.”

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