The man accused of stabbing a Service NSW worker multiple times in Sydney’s CBD poses a safety risk to correctional officers, a court has been told.

Mahmoud Salhab, 37, did not appear via video link at the Parramatta Local Court on Saturday, and remained in his cell at Surry Hills police station.

Mr Salhab, from south-west Sydney, has been charged with wounding a person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

He was arrested on Friday morning after stabbing the 54-year-old public servant with a knife in his lower back, chest, and shoulder at the Haymarket Service NSW branch.

The incident took place following a short conversation between the two men.

The ABC understands Mr Salhab spent the past two years in Tasmania before recently returning to Sydney and had visited Service NSW to enquire about documentation needed to travel overseas.

His lawyer Javid Faiz told the court that “corrective officers are concerned for their protection”.

“He’s [Mr Salhab] not mentally in a stable position.”

The victim underwent surgery on Friday and remains at St Vincent’s Hospital in a critical but stable condition.

Mr Faiz attempted to have his client moved to a mental health facility, referring to Mr Salhab’s history of mental health issues.

Magistrate John Bailey said he did not have sufficient information to make that order.

Instead, the magistrate has requested a psychiatric assessment be undertaken and a report be tabled by June 23.

That is the same day Mr Salhab is next due to appear before the Downing Centre court.

No bail application was made today and bail was formally denied.