Federal MP Andrew Laming has announced he will step down from all parliamentary roles effective immediately.
The Queensland LNP backbencher issued a statement after allegations of harassment were aired by Nine News in a series of reports.
“I will step down from all Parliamentary roles effective immediately and complete both the counselling courses I committed to; as well as additional clinical counselling, and ask for privacy while that is completed," the statement says.
"I will have more to say on my future as soon as that process is completed.
The Bowman MP said he would be on medical leave for an unspecified period of time while he undertook the counselling. He did not say whether he expected to return to Parliament in time for the federal budget.
"Others will decide duration — but I hope to get full time help," he said.
Manager of Opposition Business Tony Burke did not say whether Labor would provide Dr Laming with a pair while he undertook medical leave, but tweeted: “We will consider all our options but Andrew Laming should not be a member of parliament.”
Earlier on Saturday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison directed Dr Laming to complete an awareness course after speaking to him about his online behaviour.
Reports from Nine News alleged Dr Laming accused one woman of misappropriating funds from a charity organisation she worked at, which she denies, and harassed another woman and her husband online.
Those reports prompted Mr Morrison to haul Dr Laming into his office, and demand he apologise — which Dr Laming did, in Parliament, hours before the news story was broadcast.
But further reports on Friday that Dr Laming had downplayed the apology in comments made on social media saw Mr Morrison direct the backbencher to seek professional guidance.
Screenshots of a Facebook Messenger conversation were made public, featuring Dr Laming saying he was "surprised by the response", and while he would "willingly apologise" he "didn't even know" what he was apologising for when he stood up in Parliament on Thursday.
Calls to disendorse backbencher
Mr Morrison is facing calls to disendorse Dr Laming ahead of the next election due to his behaviour.
The Prime Minister would not speculate on Dr Laming's future with the Liberal Party, but when questioned stopped short of endorsing him.
Dr Laming's Facebook page no longer appeared to be online on Saturday afternoon.
