Embattled Labor MP Emma Husar has given a statement and answered questions through a spokesperson, denying some of the allegations levelled at her in a letter published by BuzzFeed News last week.
BuzzFeed News revealed in July that NSW Labor had commissioned an investigation into allegations of workplace bullying and misconduct against Husar. On Thursday, we published a list of allegations and alleged behaviours contained in a letter to Husar from the lawyer conducting the investigation, John Joseph Whelan.
The allegations include misuse of funds and entitlements, misuse of staff, workplace bullying, intimidation, verbal abuse, spreading false rumours, sexualised behaviour, and sexual harassment.
“I support the right of anyone to have their complaints heard," Husar said in a statement to Fairfax Media published on Monday. "This is why I’ve cooperated fully with the process and maintained the confidentiality through my silence. It is clear this process is now hopelessly compromised.
“The coverage of this has been nothing short of devastating professionally and reputationally. I’m not sure I will ever recover. But I am determined to clear my name."
Fairfax reports that Husar has denied a number of specific allegations made against her, and given explanation for others.
Husar said she agreed to cooperate with the NSW Labor investigation, which she says was probing whether she had breached paragraph seven of the ALP code of conduct, which reads: "Members, officials and staff of the Party must not engage in sexual harassment or bullying of each other".
Husar confirmed that she was made aware of the allegations against her when she attended a meeting in April at NSW Labor HQ.
Husar also confirmed that on May 16 Whelan sent her a document that included 44 allegations.
Husar said that on July 26 her lawyer replied to Whelan's letter.
BuzzFeed News has requested a copy of that letter.
Fairfax reports that in the letter Husar's lawyers claim half of the allegations did not relate to paragraph seven of the ALP code.
“The absence of the ‘who, what, when and where’ of each allegation and the fact that the complaints are presented anonymously (prior to the recent media coverage of the issue) indicates that these complaints, in our view, are not genuine. Rather, we are instructed that they speak of the sub-factional stitch-up … which has played out in recent media reports.”
A spokesperson for NSW Labor disagreed with Husar's description and said that no breaches of confidentiality have come from the investigation.
Husar denied the allegation that she performed the revealing leg-crossing move made famous by Sharon Stone in the film Basic Instinct while in Labor frontbencher Jason Clare's office.
“If I had behaved in the way that [the former staffer] has alleged (which I did not) he would not have been able to see in any case," she told Fairfax.
Husar also denied to Fairfax two other allegations of sexual harassment made by a former staff member.
Husar denied the allegation that there was "money intended for other uses diverted into [her] personal bank account", telling Fairfax: “With [sic] any specific details, it's not possible to respond to this allegation. At no time did I make personal use of money intended for other purposes."
In reference to the allegation that a “personal babysitter/nanny [redacted] is employed by [Husar] in the electorate office in a casual capacity”, Husar said that "there is no use of public funds to subsidise her work for me in that personal capacity".
Husar confirmed that she has asked staff to zip up the back of her dress.
“This has occurred on occasion when I haven’t been able to do a zip up myself. I have on occasion had to ask staff if they minded assisting," she told Fairfax. "None of the staff have raised an issue with this in the past.”
She also confirmed that she often swears in the office as an outlet in "highly stressful and frustrating situations", but claims it was never directed at staff.
Husar told Fairfax she is trying to cut down on swearing.
"Ms Husar denied yelling at staff but said she struggled with the task of establishing her office and training staff with little guidance and support from the Labor Party and relevant government department," Fairfax reported.
Husar also said staff had approved of her bringing her dog to the office.
“Only after consultation with the staff and only with their agreement did I bring Thomas (my son’s autism assistance dog) to attend the office ... A [sic] their own initiative, staff have purchased their own supply of dog-treats so Thomas favours them and sits at their desk … If I am detained at meetings, in the electorate or elsewhere it is necessary to take the dog to relieve itself. There is no set schedule for this.”