The child was injured Sunday evening while playing in the backyard at home. The boy is in stable condition, police said Monday. He was first helped by paramedics and then transferred to a hospital for further treatment.
The incident took place in Wingham, 330 kilometers north of Sydney. The 53-year-old suspect was arrested shortly afterwards in a nearby home. No information has been released about the cause of the incident. Police say the man has been released on bail and is due to appear in court later this month.