Federal Labor MP Emma Husar is facing an inquiry into alleged harassment of staff in her office.

The NSW backbencher has been accused of making staff walk her dog and clean up its faeces under working conditions one staffer described as “hell”, Buzzfeed News reported.

Ms Husar also directed a male staff member to do the washing up so he could learn about “white male privilege”, according to Sky News.

An independent investigation, initiated by NSW Labor, has been launched into the western Sydney MP.

Ms Husar, who represents the electorate of Lindsay, says she’s horrified to learn of the investigation.

“My office is a professional and respectful workplace. It should not be perceived in any other way, and of course I am sorry if any person has been given reason to think otherwise,” she said in a statement.

“I am a single mum with three children, working hard and doing my best. If I have let anyone down, I apologise.”

Senior cabinet minister Peter Dutton called on Opposition Leader Bill Shorten to explain whether staff entitlements had been used appropriately.

Mr Dutton said Mr Shorten should explain what he’s done to satisfy himself Ms Husar had spent taxpayers’ money correctly.

“If it’s not an appropriate expenditure, how is the money going to be repaid?“ Mr Dutton told reporters in Brisbane on Friday.

“When is it going to be repaid? What consequence is there for this member of parliament?“

NSW Labor has declined to comment saying the process for assessing complaints protected both parties.

“Where appropriate, public comment may be made at the conclusion of the independent process,” the party said in a statement.

Without commenting directly on the investigation, frontbencher Anthony Albanese praised his colleague.

“What I know about Emma Husar is that she’s a single mum, works incredibly hard, represents her electorate very strongly,” he told the Nine Network on Friday.

“I find her a terrific person to deal with. I find her a very good local member of parliament.”