A Hobart DJ accused of headbutting former prime minister Tony Abbott is facing up to two years' jail after his charge was upgraded.

Astro Labe, 38, was charged with common assault after a September 21 incident on Hobart's waterfront.

The charge has now been amended to causing harm to a Commonwealth public official, a federal charge which if heard in the Supreme Court would see Mr Labe face up to 10 years in jail.

But since it has been agreed the case will be heard in the Magistrates Court, the maximum penalty is two years' jail and a $25,000 fine.

Mr Labe appeared briefly in the Hobart Magistrates Court on Monday morning.

He did not enter a plea and his bail was continued.

At the time of the incident, Mr Abbott told the media the attacker was wearing a "Vote Yes" badge.

Mr Labe stated after being charged that the incident "had nothing whatsoever to do with marriage equality".

The case will return to court on January 18.