Lai’s sister, Ivana Lai, said: “It’s not right. It should be safe [for people] to walk alone.”
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Premier Jacinta Allan said: “This act of violence on Little Bourke Street is absolutely sickening. 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. The accused offender is currently on remand awaiting court. I thank the men and women of Victoria Police for their swift response.”
Melbourne Lord Mayor Nick Reece echoed Allan’s sentiments, adding: “Our thoughts are with the victim, and everyone affected by this unprovoked attack. I join the community in expecting justice will be appropriately served.”
Opposition leader Brad Battin used the incident to renew his criticism of the government’s bail laws, which were tightened in March after a rise in youth offending.
“Victorians are right to be outraged that the alleged attacker was out on bail,” Battin said in a statement.
“Victorians should be able to walk the streets without fearing for their lives. Instead, violent offenders are being released on bail.”
Police said they had charged a 32-year-old Melbourne woman with intentionally causing injury and committing an indictable offence while on bail. They did not detail what charges she had been on bail for.
She appeared at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on October 3 and was remanded in custody.