PRIME Minister Julia Gillard had a narrow escape today when a protester lunged at her during a visit to Charles Darwin University.

University student Matthew John Haubrick launched himself at the PM during his daring protest against the proposed nuclear waste dump at Muckaty Station.

Security staff restrained Mr Haubrick before he could make contact with Ms Gillard and escorted him from the premises.

The PM's tour of Charles Darwin University was also marred by a verbal attack on the PM by Larrakia elder, June Mills, in which she berated the lack of housing for indigenous people.

Ms Gillard shrugged off the attacks with a smile and continued her visit.