James Giugni accuses Cook MP Cynthia Lui of bullying and running a toxic workplace

A former Labor staffer who worked for Cook MP Cynthia Lui resigned as a “direct result” of her management style, his resignation letter shows.

A former electorate staffer of a Far North Queensland Labor MP accused of bullying and running a toxic workplace resigned as a “direct result” of her management style.

The new documents are at odds with Cook MP Cynthia Lui’s claim that she has cycled through eight electorate staff in six years because those employees moved on “to other opportunities”.

It comes as Premier Steven Miles distanced himself from workplace issues within Ms Lui’s office, declaring he was not aware of industrial complaints within all Labor electorates.

Mr Miles also denied allowing claims of toxic workplace behaviour to be swept under the rug.

Former Cook electorate staffer James Giugni, who worked with Ms Lui between August 2022 and July 2023, lodged a formal complaint and a public interest disclosure with the Clerk of Parliament over his time at her office.

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James Giugni has accused Member for Cook Cynthia Lui of bullying and running a toxic workplace. Picture: Brendan Radke

Mr Giugni, a Labor Party member, has spoken out in a bid to spark accountability.

The two-term MP has denied all allegations and dismissed them as a by-product of a “very demanding workplace”.

She confirmed she had previously had discussions with the Clerk of Parliament about bullying but matters had been settled.

Ms Lui said staff had left “purely because they’ve moved on to other opportunities” and described her office as an “inclusive environment”.

But Mr Giugni’s resignation letter, seen by the Courier-Mail, revealed he specifically noted his decision was a “direct result of my experience of your management style”.

“There have been far too many unreasonable written communications over recent months,” he said.

Premier Steven Miles with Cook MP Cynthia Lui. Picture: Adam Head

At least eight staff have left Ms Lui’s office in six years, with one signing a deed of agreement - a settlement between the employee and the parliamentary service--- which includes standard non-disclosure clause.

Mr Miles denied knowledge of any other workplace bullying in MP offices and did not think it necessary to issue words of caution to his Labor colleagues about their treatment of staff.

“In my experience, our MPs are very respectful,” he said.

Opposition Leader David Crisafulli said it was important MPs create a safe environment for staff across the board and said ultimately electorate staff were employed by the Parliamentary Service.

“It’s important that members of parliament do conduct themselves in a manner that’s conducive to a good workplace,” he said.

“If an allegation was substantiated, and then that is furnished in the public…ultimately a Member of Parliament answers to electors.”

Originally published as James Giugni accuses Cook MP Cynthia Lui of bullying and running a toxic workplace