MP faces misconduct claims
Labor MP Emma Husar is being investigated by her party over allegations of workplace bullying and misconduct.
Reports this week say a number of former staff members have made complaints against her Ms Husar, including allegations of bullying, harassment, verbal abuse, intimidation, and misuse of staff.
“The assertions that have been made do not reflect who I am or how my office operates,” Ms Husar said.
The federal MP has gone on personal leave since the story broke, saying she has received threatening messages and referred them to federal police.
The NSW ALP has commissioned an investigation by barrister John Joseph Whelan, which has reportedly gathered evidence from at least 20 witnesses so far.
Much of the evidence has come from anonymous sources that do not wish to identify themselves to Labor’s powerful Right faction.
Some have accused the United Services Union (USU) of refusing to represent them in the investigation and resigned their memberships.
USU secretary Graeme Kelly is a central figure in Labor’s Right faction.
Other members of both the state and federal Labor parties have been accused of trying to keep the investigation from the public eye.
Former staff have told reporters and the Whelan investigation that Ms Husar routinely used offensive and belittling language, required staff to babysit her children outside work hours and instructed them to walk her dog and clean up its faeces.
“Everyone had a turn in being her slave,” a former staff member told News Corp.
It is also alleged that Ms Husar has a staff member living with her who performs “household and nannying duties”, which may not be an appropriate use of a taxpayer-funded employee.
Opposition leader Bill Shorten has defend the NSW MP, telling reporters in Brisbane: “She's a single parent. One of her kids is diagnosed and living with autism. The animal is a part of her son's therapy and treatment”.
He said there is “more to this situation than meets the eye”.
“I wouldn't ask you or anyone else to pick up my dog's poo but that's probably just what dog owners do. But I'm not walking the dog,” he said.
Several LNP figures have called for Ms Husar to resign.