The Labor MP Emma Husar has said she is “horrified” to learn of bullying complaints against her that have prompted an investigation by the New South Wales Labor party.
On Thursday, Buzzfeed reported that the MP for Lindsay faced allegations of bullying, harassment, verbal abuse and intimidation of former staff at her western Sydney electorate office.
Husar, a single mother of three, is also alleged to have used her taxpayer-funded staff to conduct household, family and nannying duties for her.
Buzzfeed reported that in March NSW Labor commissioned barrister John Whelan to conduct an investigation into the claims. It is expected to be completed in coming days.
In a statement, Husar said she was “horrified” to learn about the complaints and that no staff had raised the issues with her.
“These accusations don’t reflect who I am or how my office operates,” she said.
“My office is a professional and respectful workplace, it should not be perceived in any other way and of course I’m sorry if any person has been given reason to think otherwise.”
NSW Labor has confirmed it has an independent process for assessing complaints but would not comment on the investigation into Husar’s conduct until all allegations had been considered.
Asked on Friday if Husar was a bully, the Labor frontbencher Anthony Albanese said: “She is a single mum, who works incredibly hard and represents her electorate very strongly.
“I find her a terrific person to deal with,” he told Channel Nine’s Today program. “I had not met her ... before she ran for Lindsay, but I find her a very good local member of parliament.”
