MELBOURNE, November 8, 2026 — A Chinese national was fatally stabbed in Melbourne’s CBD on Friday night, an incident that has prompted diplomatic calls for justice and a pledge from the state premier to review gig worker safety.
Fatal Altercation Near Queen Victoria Market
Feng Jianming, a 47-year-old Chinese national and father of two, was stabbed to death on Friday evening while working for the food delivery service HungryPanda. The incident occurred at approximately 8:10 pm near Queen Victoria Market, where two delivery riders confronted a man suspected of tampering with their bicycles. The confrontation escalated into an altercation, leaving Feng dead at the scene and a second rider, a 34-year-old man, hospitalized with non-life-threatening stab wounds. Victoria Police arrested a 51-year-old man from Footscray on Saturday morning in connection with the incident.
Consulate-General Seeks Assurance of Justice
The Chinese Consulate-General in Melbourne activated its emergency consular protection mechanism following the killing. In a statement, the Consulate-General expressed its deep sorrow and extended condolences to Feng’s family. It called on local police to conduct a thorough, fair, and lawful investigation and to “bring the perpetrator to justice” while safeguarding the rights of Chinese citizens. On Saturday, Consul-General Fang Xinwen held an urgent telephone conversation with Victorian Premier Ben Carroll to convey the Consulate’s concerns. Consul-General Fang requested that the case be handled fairly and that the perpetrator be severely punished, according to the Consulate-General’s statement.
Premier Commits to Reviewing Worker Safety
Victorian Premier Ben Carroll stated that community safety is his top priority. In response to the incident, he vowed to make “whatever changes are necessary” and committed to working with the Transport Workers Union and other representatives to improve protections for gig economy workers. “As premier I will ensure I do everything I can with the Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police that, no matter where you work, no matter where you shop, no matter where you live, that you are safe,” Mr Carroll said. He noted that gig workers, including delivery drivers, are “some of the most vulnerable Victorians” and require proper workplace safety measures.
Company Support and Community Reaction
HungryPanda announced it would cover Feng Jianming’s family travel expenses, funeral costs, and provide additional financial support. The company stated it was in contact with the family to assist with their visas and was planning to meet with its Melbourne delivery riders to discuss safety concerns. The tragedy has sparked public vigils and online discussion, with many attendees expressing concerns about safety in the city. International student Xi Ip, who attended a vigil, said, “This is not how we’re picturing Melbourne would be like. We were expecting a safer community,” adding, “This is a pure tragedy”. Another student, Xenith Yen, stated she was considering moving back to Shanghai, citing feeling unsafe and a lack of return on her taxes.
Sources
- Chinese nationalâs killing in Melbourne sparks online discussion; consulate-general urges local police to bring the perpetrator to justice
- Indonesian mass killings of 1965–66
- Chinese man killed in downtown Melbourne stabbing
- Chinese national killed in stabbing in central Melbourne | News.az
- Chinese consulate demands justice after delivery worker killed in Melbourne
- Safety a top priority for Vic premier after food delivery driver stabbing
Photo: Shane Min Zaw / Unsplash (Unsplash License)
