Frank Zumbo to fight charges of alleged sexual misconduct against three women, teenage girl

Federal MP Craig Kelly has spoken out after his chief of staff fronted court charged with alleged sex offences against four women.

Frank Zumbo has been charged with sexual misconduct offences. Picture: Twitter

Federal MP Craig Kelly has complained of the “innuendo and rumour” surrounding his chief of staff Frank Zumbo after the top aide was charged with sex offences against three women and a teenage girl.

The member for Hughes, who defected from the Liberal party to the cross bench in February, said in a statement on Saturday he had spoken to Mr Zumbo who “categorically denies” the allegations.

“Further, given he has been subject to over 12 months of innuendo and rumour (which coincidentally was ramped up after I left the government benches) he advises that he looks forward to the opportunity of clearing his name before the courts,” Mr Kelly said.

The MP added that none of the complainants had approached him with allegations about his right-hand man.

“The first (I) became aware of them was when they were recently reported in the media and I have not had any correspondence from the police in regards to this matter,” he said.

Frank Zumbo is an advisor to Craig Kelly (pictured). Picture: Sam Mooy/Getty Images

Mr Zumbo, 53, was granted bail in Parramatta Local Court on Saturday after spending a night in custody following his arrest on Friday afternoon.

His lawyer Michael Moussa told the court: “I’m instructed to plead not guilty to every single charge, all sequences, as it stands.”

“That’s correct, Mr Zumbo?” he asked his client, who was beamed in by video link from Surry Hills police station.

“Indeed, yes,” Mr Zumbo replied.

Mr Zumbo has been charged with two counts of aggravated sexual touching, seven counts of aggravated indecent assault and nine counts of common assault.

The charges relate to alleged offences against three women aged 23, 26 and 27 and a 16-year-old girl.

Mr Moussa said he disagreed with the police prosecutor the allegations were “very serious”.

“We’re dealing with hugs. We’re dealing with kisses on the left cheek, allegedly,” he said.

Mr Zumbo has been granted bail. Picture: Dylan Robinson

Mr Zumbo was granted police bail on Friday, the court heard, but was not released as he refused to agree to a condition to not contact three colleagues who are also prosecution witnesses.

This condition would make it “impossible” for Mr Zumbo — his family’s sole breadwinner — to work while on bail, Mr Moussa said.

One of the colleagues told police in May 2020 they had never seen any “untoward behaviour” between Mr Zumbo and one complainant, Mr Moussa told the court.

The other, he said, told police: “I’ve never seen anything or heard anyone say anything that would make them feel uncomfortable.”

Magistrate Robert Rabbidge agreed to alter the condition, citing the need for bail conditions to be proportionate.

“Mr Zumbo holds a very significant position in our fine democracy. He’s a chief of staff of a member of parliament,” the magistrate said.

“I’m told he has worked in the past as a law professor, as a tutor. A man obviously well familiar with the law and of his responsibilities.

He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

“To have no contact or no approach with staff members within this member of parliament’s office would make it impossible for a citizen who is presumed innocent to go about his daily work, not only for his own financial benefit but also to provide for his family.”

The new condition dictates Mr Zumbo cannot discuss the case with the three colleagues.

He is barred from contacting other prosecution witnesses, including the four complainants.

Mr Zumbo must also reside at a Maroubra address and not enter any schools, universities or points of international departure.

Outside court, Mr Moussa said: “Mr Zumbo has denied the allegations since the inception of these matters.”

He said the case against Mr Zumbo was weak, adding “it is a case where the prosecution may need to disprove any type of collusion”.

The matter is next in court on June 16.