Labor MP Emma Husar has taken personal leave, citing the difficulty of the spotlight on her family after revelations she is under investigation by the New South Wales Labor party over allegations of bullying and misuse of staff.

Husar said she had advised the opposition whip she would take personal leave “effective immediately” but hoped to return to work “very soon” after seeking support.

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 said she was “horrified” by the allegations, which are being investigated by barrister John Whelan on behalf of the NSW Labor party.

On Tuesday Husar reiterated that she will “respect and cooperate with the independent process”.

“The past few days have been incredibly difficult for my family,” she said. “I’m a single mum and my first priority is the safety and wellbeing of my children.

“I have received threatening messages including threats of violence and have referred them to the Australian federal police.

“The best thing for me and my family right now is for us to be out of the spotlight so I can access support.”

Husar said she looked forward to returning to her duties “very soon” and her electorate office would continue to serve constituents in the meantime.

“I love my community and there is no higher honour for me than representing the people of Western Sydney in Australia’s parliament.”



Husar, a single mother of three, is alleged to have used her taxpayer-funded staff to conduct household, family and nannying duties for her.

On Thursday Husar said the accusations “don’t reflect who I am or how my office operates”.

“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,” she said.

Although Husar was publicly backed by colleagues including Anthony Albanese, who described her as a hard worker and strong representative for Lindsay, the investigation has led to suggestions Husar could be disendorsed by Labor if the findings are unfavourable.

The opposition leader, Bill Shorten, said his office notified him of the allegations on Wednesday last week.

“We have got a procedure in place,” he told reporters in Tasmania on Tuesday. “The complaints were made to the New South Wales Labor party.

“They’re investigating it, and until that investigation has concluded I’m not going to add any more.”