Three current and former Liberal Party members have slammed the party's new national code of conduct for threatening members who speak out, suggesting it puts people at risk outside of party events and offering little protection for staff.

After more than a year of controversy over its handling of sexual harassment, assault and poor behaviour by members, the Liberal Party federal executive has left it up to the state divisions to enforce the code and dispute resolution mechanisms.

Kate Johnson was fired from her role after raising bullying allegations about another staff member. Credit: Sam Mooy

The "best practice" guidelines would see Liberal Party members face being hauled before third-party investigators and committees, and expelled for breaches such as posting explicit posts on social media or sexual harassment – but three women say they have little chance of being enforced.

The code states it does not operate as a term of any contract of employment or service unless agreed by the employer and the employee, and that it should only be applied "wherever possible". It also urges any assault allegations to be made directly to police.