Federal election: Campaign volunteer caught on CCTV 'pushing' woman

A man volunteering for a federal election candidate has been filmed allegedly pushing a woman after she confronted him about campaign posters.

Footage shows the volunteer for Dr Sophie Scamps — who is vying for the Mackellar seat — placing large three-sided posters promoting the independent candidate around trees in front of Liberal MP Jason Falinski’s office in Narrabeen, on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.

The woman can be seen talking on the phone as she confronts the man wearing a hi-vis. He appears to turn towards the woman in response to her remarks before suddenly pushing her away.

The altercation between the pair continues as the woman follows the volunteer as he installs another campaign poster a few metres away.

She can be seen inching closer to the man as their heated discussion continues. The volunteer then appears to push her again, but she refuses to budge.

NSW police confirmed to Yahoo News Australia the incident took place just after 6am on Wednesday.

Officers responded to the scene after receiving reports “that a man and woman were involved in a verbal altercation outside the office, before the man pushed the woman’s shoulder and walked away”.

“The woman, aged 48, was uninjured and police were contacted,” a police spokesperson said.

It is understood the man and woman are not known to each other.

According to the Manly Daily, the woman, who is not connected to Mr Falinski, told officers she was griping to the volunteer about the number of federal election campaign posters in the area.

Volunteer removed from Sophie Scamps' campaign

A spokesperson from Dr Scamps’ campaign office confirmed to Yahoo News Australia they are “aware of an incident that took place on Wednesday that is currently under investigation by police”.

“One of the people involved was a volunteer with the campaign. The volunteer has been removed from the campaign,” the spokesperson said.

• What to do if you test positive for Covid before the election

• Unvaccinated Pauline Hanson tests positive to Covid days before election

• Scott Morrison's defiant response to savage question: 'Let me say this'

“The 1,200-plus volunteers involved in Sophie’s campaign all sign a code of conduct that ensures they adhere to the highest level of integrity and follow Sophie's example to lead a positive and polite campaign.

“It is important that everyone in Mackellar, and across Australia, engages in respectful debate in the final days of this election.”

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.