SSM Plebiscite

[DJC]

Wasn't he actually wearing a SSM Yes badge at the time?
If you are campaigning/publicly supporting a cause at the time and you attack a prominent campaigner for the opposition to your cause.
You can't then say oh, actually I attacked him because of his industrial actions (or obviously anything else).

It doesn't really matter anyway. Outside of this as well bullying, physical violence, intimidation etc by either side should be met with serious condemnation from those on either side as well as fence sitters.

Absolutely!

I'm old enough to remember the attempt to assassinate Arthur Calwell  The shooter disagreed with Calwell's policies and wanted to be famous; I suspect that similar motivations influenced Labe's assault of Abbott.

It concerns me that civil society can't be civil when debating issues like marriage equality, dying with dignity, etc.  Perhaps the influence of religious dogma inhibits sensible discussion but I reckon the problem is lack of leadership from those who put up their hands to lead.