Senator Sam McMahon allegedly tried to punch Nationals federal director in Canberra pub

An Australian senator has been accused of throwing punches at her party’s federal director during a boozy Christmas party.

Northern Territory senator Sam McMahon has been accused of trying to physically punch one of her Nationals party colleagues in a Canberra pub.

Witnesses told Sky News Senator McMahon took “multiple swings” at Jonathan Hawkes, the Nationals’ federal director, during the party’s Christmas drinks on Thursday night.

Senator McMahon had allegedly been drinking at the event with fellow MPs and staffers when she allegedly took three or four swings at Mr Hawkes.

A spokesman for Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce confirmed the incident took place, but indicated Mr Joyce would not be investigating the issue further.

Senator McMahon had allegedly been drinking with her Nationals colleagues at a Canberra pub when the alleged event took place. Picture: AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

“The Deputy Prime Minister has been advised that there was an incident at the Christmas party on Thursday night,” the spokesman told NCA NewsWire.

“A contrite apology has been given and accepted.

“Both parties have explicitly said they want this to be the end of the issue and, out of respect for them, this will be adhered to by our office.”

A spokesman for Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce said Senator McMahon apologised to Mr Hawkes. Picture: NCA Newswire / Gary Ramage

It is unclear what exactly led to Senator McMahon’s outburst, but at least one witness told Sky News it appeared the NT politician was either being walked away or even kicked out of the event at the time.

In June, Senator McMahon lost her preselection battle for the Country Liberal Party‘s top spot on the Senate ticket to then Alice Springs deputy mayor Jacinta Price.

In the week leading up to the ballot, Senator McMahon denied allegations she was drunk on the floor of parliament, accusing rivals of undermining her during the bitter preselection battle.

NT senator Sam McMahon (far left) with colleagues in the upper house. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

Senator McMahon is currently in quarantine in the NT and has not responded to requests for comment about the incident.