Former Labor staffer sacked by Kristina Keneally considering legal action

A Kristina Keneally staffer who was sacked after texting alleged threats to a former MP with accusations of an unproven affair is considering legal action.

A staffer in Senator Kristina Keneally’s office who was sacked after texting alleged threats to a former Liberal MP with accusations of an unproven affair is considering legal action.

The former employee on Monday confirmed his position with Ms Keneally’s office had been “terminated via email” due to serious misconduct alleged by the Liberal MP.

He said he was seeking legal and industrial relations advice regarding potential breaches of the Australian Labor Party National Code of Conduct and unfair dismissal, as well as defamation in relation to the former Liberal MP.

A former Labor staffer has announced he is investigating legal options after being let go from the office of Senator Kristina Keneally. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Flavio Brancaleone

The staffer was sacked last week after Ms Keneally learned he had threatened a former Liberal MP claiming he had “proof” the man had an extramarital affair.

The politician has vigorously denied the accusation he had an affair with another MP.

The staffer said he believed Ms Keneally had terminated his employment without allowing for a right of reply, insisting he had only sent the messages out of an interest in “truth, justice, fairness and accountability”.

In the texts sent to the former MP, the staffer suggested “man to man” the politician issue a “public apology … owning to the mess you’ve made”.

“It’s now up to you. People deserve to know the truth and my experience suggests people are more forgiving when they see some type of remorse. Happy to chat,” the staffer told the former MP.

Labor Senator Kristina Keneally terminated the employment of a staffer after learning about the text messages he sent to a former Liberal MP. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Flavio Brancaleone

After the text messages were exposed, the staffer claimed he was protecting a friend who’s life had been destroyed by the alleged affair

The circulation of the allegations and threats to expose the matter are currently the subject of an Australian Federal Police investigation.

Liberal sources said the matter had previously been investigated after it had been reported it to the party’s federal executive and state branch.

A spokeswoman for Ms Keneally confirmed the staffer was no longer working in her office.

“Senator Keneally terminated the employment of a junior staff member for serious misconduct last Thursday after consulting Ministerial and Parliamentary Services,” she said.

“The matter is now with the Australian Federal Police and the office will not be commenting further.”