Former NSW deputy premier John Barilaro has pleaded not guilty to assaulting a cameraman outside a bar in Manly on Sydney's northern beaches.
Mr Barilaro, 50, did not front Manly Local Court today and instead, was represented by his lawyer, Danny Eid, who entered pleads on his behalf in a hearing that lasted only a few minutes.
He is charged with one count of common assault and one count of destroy or damage property after a video emerged of a clash with Channel 7 cameraman Matt Costello in July.
The footage emerged online and shows the pair pushing and grabbing each other before Mr Barilaro is seen walking away and stopping at traffic lights to cross the road.
Outside Manly Local Court, his lawyer, Mr Eid, said his client would fight all charges against him.
"We're not lying down on this one," he said.
The alleged incident happened when Mr Barilaro was facing intense public scrutiny over his controversial appointment to a half-a-million-dollar-a-year trade commissioner role in New York.
The decisions surrounding his posting became subject to a parliamentary inquiry, which is set to resume later this month.
Mr Barilaro has since withdrawn from the lucrative position.
Shortly after the incident, Mr Barilaro said he was being harassed by the journalists with the equipment shoved in his face.
"All I did was push a camera out of my way, I did not manhandle an individual," Mr Barilaro told Nine radio.
"I have every right to defend myself and protect myself and my friends."
The former politician said he was being treated like a "criminal" amid the ongoing media scrutiny surrounding the inquiry.
He remains on bail and the case will return to Manly Local Court in December.
