Lee faces NT court on assault charge

After arriving half an hour late to court, Palmer United Party MLA Larisa Lee will face it again in three weeks on an aggravated assault charge and a domestic violence order.

The controversial Northern Territory politician told reporters "court doesn't open until 10" as she arrived at the Katherine Magistrates Court on Tuesday, despite having her matter listed for 9.30am.

Ms Lee was involved in an altercation with several family members outside the Katherine Centrelink in April, and was charged with aggravated assault and disorderly conduct in a public place.

A domestic violence order has been filed against her on behalf of an 18-year-old woman, believed to be her relative.

"You need to stay away," Magistrate Tanya Fong Lim told Ms Lee, saying she could not stalk, harass, or threaten the woman.

Her lawyer Ron Hope apologised for their lateness, saying it was entirely his fault.

The matter has been adjourned until June 24 and Ms Lee's bail has been continued.

She declined to comment on the matter to reporters outside court, or to say whether she intended to plead guilty.

She previously confirmed the family altercation to News Corp Australia, saying "it happens all the time in families, my family is larger than most".

If convicted, Ms Lee could face a five-year maximum jail term and could lose her seat of Arnhem.

The MLA made headlines in March and April when she and fellow Aboriginal backbenchers Alison Anderson and Francis Xavier Kurrupuwu resigned from the Country Liberals' government amid claims of racism and broken promises to the bush.

Clive Palmer announced the three had joined his party just days after Ms Lee's arrest.