A dismissed bail-breach charge against federal Labor MP Luke Gosling is a "first step" in his defence against two counts of assaulting a territory administrator, his lawyer says.
The bail-breach charge was withdrawn by prosecutor Jo Poole in Darwin Local Court on Monday.
No explanation was provided.
Mr Gosling, who holds the federal seat of Solomon, taking in Darwin, was not required to appear.
The 54-year-old was charged in July with assaulting Northern Territory Administrator David Connolly, the jurisdiction's equivalent to a state governor.
Gosling's lawyer Marty Aust SC said in a statement after the court hearing that his client thanked the community for its ongoing support.
"This is only the first step, but a significant one, in the successful defence of all charges.
"Mr Gosling continues to deny all allegations and remains steadfast in his position."
After Gosling was charged with breaching bail on August 14, he stood aside as special envoy for defence, veterans' affairs and Northern Australia.
The assaults are alleged to have occurred at the NT Thailand Grand Festival in Darwin on July 18.
Mr Connolly, a former pastoralist and NT Cattlemen's Association president, was nominated to the administrator's position by the territory's Country Liberal Party government and sworn in in February.
The assault matters will return to court on November 25.
Prominent Sydney-based barrister Sophie Callan SC has taken on the case against Gosling for the NT Director of Public Prosecutions after the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions declined to take it.
As part of his bail conditions, Gosling is banned from going within 50 metres of the NT's Government House building.
He must give the administrator's office 48 hours' notice before attending any event where the two men would be present.
If they are at an event together, the Labor politician must not be within 15 metres of Mr Connolly.