Labor MP concedes she is ‘not perfect’ as three staff quit

Labor MP Donna Davis has conceded she is “not perfect” and “continuing to learn” after three staff walked out amid allegations of mistreatment.

Labor MP Donna Davis has conceded she is “not perfect” and “continuing to learn” after her staff walked out amid allegations of mistreatment.

The Parramatta MP is now set to undergo parliament’s “Respect at Work” training required of all state politicians.

The Sunday Telegraph can reveal that three staff left the Parramatta MP’s electorate ­office last month over their ­unhappiness at how they were treated. It is understood two of the staff to leave were aged 20 and 25, with all having started in the office after the March 2023 state election when Ms Davis won the seat.

A fourth staffer, who is believed to be a university student also aged in their 20s, has remained in the office.

The Sunday Telegraph ­understands that the staff, while working full-time hours, had been on probationary ­temporary contracts.

Parramatta MP Donna Davis. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Nikki Short

Rather than give her staff permanent roles, Ms Davis had repeatedly renewed the ­temporary contracts for short periods of up to four months.

One of the staff members, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said there were ongoing clashes in the office over the management of Ms Davis’ appointments.

Premier Chris Minns with Donna Davis. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Monique Harmer

The staff member said one argument occurred after Ms Davis missed a photo opportunity with Premier Chris Minns, with the MP allegedly blaming her staff for not “ringing and reminding her”.

The staff members said Ms Davis’ appointments were documented in an Outlook diary.

“It was a toxic environment,” the staff member said.

When the Sunday Telegraph put the allegations to the first term MP and former Parramatta Lord Mayor, Ms Davis said she took her “responsibilities as an employer and as a member of parliament very ­seriously”.

“I’m not perfect, and I’m continuing to learn,” she said.

“Setting up a new office and new processes from scratch is difficult.

“Like most jobs there is a probationary period to ­ensure the person employed is right for the role and the team.”

It is understood Ms Davis is yet to complete parliament’s respect at work training, but is scheduled to do so soon.

The Sunday Telegraph was shown emails showing how Ms Davis had asked her staff to book her into a course but it never occurred.

The staff member said some appointments could not be made due to clashes with other events, but that these were always discussed.

A NSW parliament spokesman said there was a commitment to ensuring NSW Parliament House and electorate offices were “safe, inclusive, and respectful workplaces”.

“Training is regularly offered to parliamentary staff, including members and members’ staff,” he said.

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