Liberal candidate for the seat of Indi, Sophie Mirabella denies she physically blocked sitting MP Cathy McGowan from being photographed with a federal minister.

The incident reportedly occurred with the Assistant Minister for Health Ken Wyatt opened a new wing for a nursing home in regional town of Benalla as the race for the marginal seat heats up.

Independent Cathy McGowan who narrowly defeated Mirabella in the 2013 election says she was told she could not be photographed with Mr Wyatt because the project was funded by a Liberal government.

Initial funding for the project was raised by the local community with the federal government contributing extra funding for four high-care beds.

Ms Mirabella denies she physically blocked Ms McGowan from taking a photo with Mr Wyatt at the plaque commemorating the opening.

'I emphatically reject reports I pushed Cathy McGowan. Reporter did not even bother 2 call me. A sad return 2 nasty tactics from my opponents', she tweeted.

During a debate between the two mediated by Sky News host Paul Murray, Ms Mirabella repeated her claim that there was no physical contact.

Ms Mirabella says given her support of campaigns to end violence against women the accusations had 'gutted' her.

However Ms McGowan declined to directly refute reports she was pushed.

Ms McGowan also declined to say who she would support in a hung parliament but says she would but 'Indi first'.