Updated September 22, 2017 14:55:13

Photo: Mr Abbott says he was attacked while in Hobart for a Young Liberals event. (ABC News: Selina Ross)

Tasmanian police have charged a man with an alleged assault on former prime minister Tony Abbott.

The 38-year-old has been charged with one count of common assault, following an incident on Hobart's waterfront on Thursday afternoon.

The man has been granted conditional bail and will appear in the Magistrates Court in Hobart next month.

Police said the charge followed an investigation into a complaint made by Mr Abbott, and that they would make no further comment.

Mr Abbott has alleged the man headbutted him after asking to shake his hand.

He told reporters at a morning press conference that his injuries were minor.

Mr Abbott and others have said the alleged attacker was wearing a badge supporting same-sex marriage.

The former leader was in Tasmania for several events, including a Young Liberals cocktail party.

Earlier police said they had spoken to several witnesses and seeking CCTV from the waterfront area.

Both sides of the same-sex marriage debate have condemned violence.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said there should be "zero tolerance" and he had contacted Mr Abbott to check on his welfare.

Photo: Mr Abbott met anti-same sex marriage campaigners while in Tasmania. (Facebook: Tony Abbott)

Topics: assault, hobart-7000

First posted September 22, 2017 13:53:20