23 Oct 2017

Headbutt charge against former PM upgraded

8:52 pm on 23 October 2017

A charge against a Tasmanian DJ accused of headbutting former Australian prime minister Tony Abbott has been upgraded to one that carries a maximum 10-year jail term.

Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott speaking in 2015.

Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott speaking in 2015. Photo: AFP

Astro Labe, 38, was charged with common assault after a September 21 incident on the waterfront in Hobart, Tasmania.

The charge has now been amended to causing harm to a Commonwealth public official.

Mr Labe appeared briefly in the Hobart Magistrates Court on Monday morning.

He did not enter a plea and his bail was continued.

At the time of the incident, Mr Abbott told the media the attacker was wearing a "Vote Yes" badge. The former Australian prime minister said he was attacked in Hobart by a man who headbutted him after asking to shake his hand.

Mr Labe stated after being charged that the incident "had nothing whatsoever to do with marriage equality".

The case will return to court on January 18.

- ABC