A political volunteer accused of stalking defeated Liberal candidate Georgina Downer during this year's federal election campaign will fight the charge, a court has heard.
Adelaide Hills man Paul Bunney, 63, was charged with stalking Ms Downer but has denied acting unlawfully, with his lawyer saying the defence would rely on the "freedom of political communication" implied by the constitution.
At the time Mr Bunney was charged in April, Ms Downer was contesting the South Australian seat of Mayo, formerly held by her father Alexander Downer.
Mr Bunney was a volunteer for Centre Alliance MP Rebekha Sharkie but Ms Sharkie, who later retained the seat, dropped him from her campaign when the allegations surfaced.
He was also suspended from activist organisation GetUp!
Mr Bunney faced the Mount Barker Magistrates Court this afternoon and his lawyer Alex Scott told the court the allegations "remained contested".
"The defence will be that Mr Bunney's conduct was entirely lawful pursuant to the implied freedom of political communication," he said.
"I've raised this with my friend [the prosecutor].
"He doesn't agree with me on the matter."
Mr Scott said the defence of implied freedom of political communication was supported by a previous High Court judgment — Lange v Australia Broadcasting Corporation — which involved former New Zealand prime minister David Lange.
The court heard there would likely be at least three witnesses called to give evidence.
Magistrate Sue O'Connor set the case down for a pre-trial conference in August.
The court heard Mr Bunney would have high-profile QC Grant Algie acting for him at the next court hearing.
Mr Bunney did not comment as he left the courthouse with his lawyer.
