The former NSW Labor general secretary Jamie Clements has been suspended from the party after being charged by the NSW Electoral Commission for disclosing protected information.

Party officials made the decision on Friday morning after it emerged that Clements will face court next month charged with two breaches of the Parliamentary Electorates and Elections Act.

“Officers of the NSW branch of the Australian Labor party met this morning and have resolved to suspend the party membership of Jamie Clements,” NSW Labor said in a brief statement.

The federal Labor leader, Bill Shorten, faced questions on whether the charges against Clements posed a risk for the party during the election campaign.

“It’s a matter of record I have said some harsh things about Mr Clements in the past but the matter is now before the courts and I’m going to let that take its course,” Shorten told reporters in Darwin.

Clements is accused of two offences, including allegations he disclosed protected information in May last year.

A month later, it is alleged the then NSW Labor general secretary used information legally provided to the party by the NSW Electoral Commission for “a purpose not permitted by legislation”.

He is expected to face Downing centre local court on 7 June, with each offence carrying a maximum penalty of $22,000 if proven.

Clements resigned as general secretary in January.