A New South Wales court has heard United Australia Party Senator Brian Burston and his wife are living "in fear" of Pauline Hanson's chief of staff James Ashby.
Senator Burston, a former One Nation member, applied for an apprehended violence order (AVO) against Mr Ashby in the Toronto Local Court today, near Newcastle.
A scuffle between Mr Ashby and Senator Burston at Parliament House in Canberra in February, which was filmed, sparked the AVO application.
At the time, Senator Burston said in a statement, the footage did not depict the full incident.
'Not your garden variety' AVO
Senator Burston's solicitor, Stephens Churches told the court this is "not your garden variety" AVO.
He said "there's an allegation of assault upon the complainant's wife" and an assault on my client.
"He and his wife are in fear and want protection," Mr Churches said.
Mr Ashby's solicitor Danny Eid opposed the AVO and said his client would defend any application.
He also argued there was "a question of jurisdiction".
But Mr Churches disagreed saying some matters happened in NSW, as well as the ACT.
When Magistrate Alan Railton suggested the matter be adjourned, Mr Churches asked for an interim order for a short period of time.
"I've got a document I'm not sure I can deal with," Magistrate Railton said.
He adjourned the matter until May 28 and declined to make any orders.
The case will also go to the Community Justice Centre to see if it can be resolved via mediation.
James Ashby to defend any AVO application
After leaving the courtroom Mr Eid again stressed his client would "defend any application".
"The evidence will speak for itself," he said.
"Mr Ashby did not assault any person whatsoever."
Mr Ashby and Senator Burston declined to comment outside the courthouse.
