A senior NSW minister has used parliamentary privilege to accuse Opposition Leader Luke Foley of harassing an ABC journalist at a function.

Corrections Minister David Elliott used a debate on the Invictus Games to attack Mr Foley's character, alleging he had harassed the journalist after having too much to drink.

The comments came after Mr Foley accused Mr Elliott of being a "grub" during the debate.

"I tell you what I'm not, I'm not a double drink driver," Mr Elliott said.

"I've never taken a quarter of a million dollars from a convicted murderer and refused to give it back.

"I've never had a little too much to drink at a party and harassed an ABC journalist, I've never done that."

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A spokesman for Mr Foley said the allegation was untrue.

"Mr Elliott made allegations under parliamentary privilege that were he to repeat outside the Parliament, Mr Foley will be forced to take the appropriate action," the spokesman said.

"However Mr Foley said he is more than happy to repeat the fact that Mr Elliott is a grub, in or outside the chamber."

A spokesman for Mr Elliott declined to comment, and referred the ABC to Hansard.

ABC management declined to be interviewed, but issued a one-line statement.

"We don't comment on personal issues regarding our employees and the welfare of our employees is always our first priority," the statement said.