Police Minister David Elliott accused of being ‘a bully’ after Parliament House function spat

An ex-ABC journalist turned government staffer told a senior state government minister he was a bully and not fit for his job at a Parliament House function, over seating arrangements.

An ex-ABC journalist turned government staffer told a senior state government minister he was a bully and not fit for his job at a Parliament House function earlier this month.

Their spat followed what the newly appointed staffer perceived to be a personal slight from Police Minister David Elliott over seating ­arrangements at an informal meeting the week before.

Mr Elliott has complained to Premier Gladys Berejiklian about the confrontation at the State of Origin function on June 5, and has also had conversations with Deputy Premier John Barilaro about the matter.

The staffer has not made an official complaint but she has received personal support from at least five senior ministers. She took a brief absence from work after the confrontation and was upset by the exchange.

The newly appointed staffer perceived to be a personal slight from Police Minister David Elliott over seating ­arrangements. Picture: Nathan Edwards

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In a statement to The Daily Telegraph, Mr Elliott said: “I’m not expecting an apology … needless to say her behaviour was extremely unprofessional.”

He has privately expressed to colleagues he does not believe the former ABC journalist was a friend of the government.

The Daily Telegraph has been told three different versions of an exchange that took place at an informal meeting in Water Minister Melinda Pavey’s office the week of May 27.

It is understood there was a reshuffling of seats and the staffer left in tears after she believed Mr Elliott had signalled to others he did not want to sit next to her.

The exchange took place at an informal meeting in Water Minister Melinda Pavey’s office the week of May 27

Their next encounter was a State of Origin function at Parliament House a week later. The staffer and Mr Elliott were seen in a heated discussion and The Telegraph has confirmed the staffer told the minister he was a bully and unfit for the job.

Several senior ministers believe the tensions date back to Mr Elliott using parliamentary privilege to accuse former Labor leader Luke Foley of harassing a journalist — a then colleague of the now staffer. She tweeted Mr Elliott had “forced” the woman to go public.

Ms Berejiklian, Mr Barilaro and the staffer all refused to comment.