Queensland Labor MP Jim Madden accused of bullying by former staffer

Embattled Queensland Labor MP Jim Madden has been personally served with legal documents warning he could be sued for workplace bullying within months by a former electorate office staffer.

Ipswich West MP Jim Madden told parliament in April that he would not recontest the October 2024 state election. Picture: NewsWire / Sarah Marshall

Embattled Queensland Labor MP Jim Madden has been personally served with legal documents warning he could be sued for workplace bullying within months by a former electorate office staffer.

Alison Young worked for backbencher Mr Madden in his Ipswich West office, outside Brisbane, from September 2018 to October 2021 and made a successful WorkCover claim after being diagnosed with PTSD and anxiety, as a result of his alleged bullying.

Shine Lawyers national practice leader Bree Smith is representing Ms Young and confirmed Mr Madden had been served, as a precursor to a potential personal injury claim against him and the Queensland Parliamentary Service, which employs electorate officer staffers.

“We’re working to ensure Alison gets the justice she deserves after so many years. Everybody deserves to feel safe in the workplace, no matter where it might be and who they might be working with,” Ms Smith said.

Jim Madden's former electorate officer Alison Young has alleged the backbencher bullied her, and has now served him with legal papers. Picture: Sarah Elks

After the parties are served with the papers, they have six months to do their own investigations and provide a response, before a compulsory mediation occurs.

If they cannot reach a resolution following the negotiation conference, Ms Young has 60 days to file a lawsuit.

Mr Madden has previously denied any wrongdoing.

“As this matter is the subject of a legal dispute, it is not appropriate for me to make any comment at this time,” Mr Madden told The Australian.

Parliamentary clerk Neil Laurie also declined to comment.

Ms Young made a formal complaint to the state ALP in March last year about Mr Madden’s alleged behaviour; an independent investigation eventually found he had broken about 22 Labor rules, and should receive one-on-one anti-harassment and bullying training, but would not be expelled from the party.

In April, Ms Young, fellow former electorate office staffer David Stone, and Mr Madden’s former girlfriend Sarah Grist all spoke to The Australian to allege misbehaviour by the politician.

Ms Grist - whom Mr Madden made call him “Sir” during their years-long relationship - alleges she suffered coercive control at his hands, including making her take executive roles in his Labor branch and telling her how to vote in internal party matters.

Shortly after the allegations were published, Mr Madden told parliament he would not recontest the October 2024 state election.