The New South Wales Labor MP Hugh McDermott has stood down as chairman of the opposition’s “waste watch” committee, which investigates frivolous government spending, while he is investigated over allegations of sexual harassment.
McDermott issued a statement on Saturday morning following revelations that a former staffer had lodged a formal complaint with the Public Service Association of NSW. In the complaint, she alleges McDermott pressed his groin against her back and brushed past her breast more than once.
The woman also alleges McDermott was verbally abusive, and that when she turned up to his home for a meeting, he answered the door without a shirt on and with his pants undone.
McDermott said he “categorically” denied the allegations. “Any allegation of harassment is a very serious matter,” he said.
“At no time has any member of my staff spoken with me about such allegations, nor have they lodged a formal complaint through any of the channels available to them which would trigger a proper investigation and consideration of any such matter.
“Aggrieved employees have a number of channels available to them under workplace laws and policies.”
He said the staffer who made the complaint no longer worked at his office as her employmentended “due to changed operational requirements within the electorate office,” and that her termination was carried out according to parliamentary requirements.
“I do not intend to make any further comment on this matter,” McDermott said on Saturday.
McDermott, a former lawyer, was elected to the NSW lower house as the state member for Prospect at the 2015 election.
