NSW Labor Party general secretary Jamie Clements denies assault allegations after AVO
THE most senior official in NSW Labor, Jamie Clements, has been slapped with a police AVO by a former state candidate Stefanie Jones, pictured.
NSW
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Police are investigating an alleged assault at Parliament House in June.
Jamie Clements allegedly tried to kiss Stefanie Jones, according to sources.
Mr Clements, who is NSW labor’s party general secretary, denies the claims.
He is due to face court next week on an AVO.
NSW Labor’s general secretary Jamie Clements has been hit with an Apprehended Violence Order by former Cronulla candidate Stefanie Jones.
Mr Clements, 39, a married father of three who oversaw Labor’s election loss in March, is due to appear on August 12 at the Downing Centre Local Court to face the order, which was taken out by Ms Jones, who now works as a political staffer, after an alleged assault at Parliament House.
No charges have been laid over the incident.
A police statement last night said: “Police from the Sydney City Local Area Command are conducting inquiries into the alleged assault of a woman within a room at Parliament House in June 2015.
“As the matter is the subject of a current investigation, no further comment can be provided.”
Sources close to Mr Clements said he and Ms Jones had had a previous relationship two years ago, and that she was alleging he had attempted to kiss her in June in a parliamentary office — a claim that he denies.
Mr Clements is understood to admit there was a conversation between the pair but denies touching Ms Jones and has gone on leave to fight the allegations.
Ms Jones, 27, works as a staffer for Campbelltown MP Greg Warren and is in a relationship with Labor’s state organiser David Latham.
Mr Clements was contacted at his home last night but declined to comment on the case. Mr Latham was not taking calls and Ms Jones was uncontactable.
The incident allegedly took place on the last sitting week of parliament in June. One source said it occurred during Question Time, possibly on Budget day.
Opposition Leader Luke Foley’s office confirmed it was a “police matter” last night and said Ms Jones had complained to Mr Foley’s office on Monday.
Mr Clements’ parliamentary pass was cut by Mr Foley on Tuesday. A spokeswoman for Mr Foley said a matter was raised with his office, which had liaised with the Department of Parliamentary Services to ensure the welfare of the staff member in question, and ensure she received the appropriate support.
The matter had also been referred to the president of the NSW Branch of the Labor Party, the spokeswoman said, and was now the subject of a police investigation.
Ms Jones is currently on leave and Mr Warren said last night he wished her well.
with Taylor Auerbach
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