Burston seeks AVO against Ashby post-clash

Senator Brian Burston has applied for an apprehended violence order against One Nation staffer James Ashby two months after the pair scuffled in the halls of parliament.

Senator Burston, 71, on Tuesday attended Toronto Local Court in NSW's Lake Macquarie region to apply for an apprehended personal violence order against Mr Ashby, who was also in the courtroom.

The senator defected from One Nation before joining the Palmer United Party in 2018.

He was involved in a physical altercation with Mr Ashby in federal parliament in mid-February.

Senator Burston later admitted smearing blood on the door of Senator Pauline Hanson's office following the clash which occurred after a function at which the two men were seated on the same table.

Mr Ashby had his staffer's pass revoked by the Senate president after he reviewed footage of the incident.

The AVO matter was referred for mediation at a community justice centre. The parties are due back in court on May 28.