A 19-year-old man will face court next month after allegedly punching a photographer and making “intimidatory” remarks at a female journalist who were covering a press conference held by controversial senator Fraser Anning.
The Sydney man was arrested by police after an alleged scuffle in Cronulla last Friday morning.
Anning was in Cronulla to announce his candidate for Cook, Peter Kelly, and other Senate candidates.
Images from the altercation show News Corp photographer Dylan Robinson with a ripped shirt.
According to NSW Police Force, the teenager is also alleged to have made intimidatory comments to News Corp journalist Eliza Barr.
The man was arrested and later charged with common assault, intimidation and behaving in an offensive manner.
A News Corp Australia spokesperson said: “A photographer and journalist from the St George Shire Standard are the complainants in relation to an alleged assault during a press conference in Cronulla earlier today.
“The safety of our staff, and their ability to report in news events unhindered is of utmost importance to us and is a fundamental right for all journalists.”
Barr told Sky News on Friday night that the “chaotic press conference” became violent after she questioned Anning about his claims that the Cronulla Riots were lead by Muslims.
She said at the press conference: “I am covering Cook as part of my federal election coverage and I asked the senator to explain his immigration policies for local constituents.”
Some of Anning’s fans, who were reportedly very vocal during the press conference, did not like the questions Barr was asking Anning.
Following the conclusion of the conference, some of Anning’s supporters followed Barr out of the park.
When News Corp photographer Dylan Robinson moved in front of Barr to photograph the supports, he was allegedly attacked.
Anning said he condemned the attack but said he didn’t see the altercation as he’d left the area.
He told reporters in a separate press conference later that afternoon his left-wing supporters are “much more violent” than any other supporters from his party.
He added: “People do silly things from all walks of life.
