Former Border Mail and now News Corp photographer Dylan Robinson was left with a torn shirt after a verbal exchange between St George Shire Standard journalist Eliza Barr and a man, believed to be a supporter of the senator, became physical.

Video footage shows Barr and Robinson walking towards the parking area outside the park before the other man tries to knock Robinson's camera out of his hands. He then throws several punches before another man breaks up the scuffle.

Robinson does not punch back, but takes photos of the man as he walks away.

The 19-year-old was then searched and placed in the back of a police van.

"A man has been arrested following an altercation in Cronulla this morning," a police spokesman said.

"Officers from Sutherland Police Area Command were called to Dunningham Park, Cronulla, about 10am. A 19-year-old man is alleged to have become involved in a physical altercation with a female journalist and a male cameraman during a press conference.

"The man has been taken to Sutherland police station."

In the press conference, Senator Anning was introducing his candidate for the seat of Cook, Peter Kelly. Cook is currently the electorate of Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

During his time at The Border Mail, Robinson was a finalist in the outstanding sports photography category at the Kennedy Awards for his photograph of downhill bike rider Ben Watkins..