A police investigation has been launched after a political staffer applied for an apprehended violence order (AVO) against New South Wales Labor Party general-secretary Jamie Clements.

Staff member Stefanie Jones, 23, who works for another Labor MP, alleged Mr Clements tried to kiss her, Fairfax Media reported.

A statement from New South Wales Police said they were investigating an assault allegation.

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“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,” the statement said.

“As the matter is the subject of a current investigation, no further comment can be provided.”

The parliamentary pass for Mr Clements was cut on Tuesday at the request of the Opposition Leader’s office.

A spokeswoman for Opposition Leader Luke Foley said the office had referred the matter to the NSW branch president.

“A matter was raised with the office of the Leader of the Opposition pertaining to an electoral officer of the NSW Parliament,” she said.

“The office has liaised with the Department of Parliamentary Services to ensure the welfare of the staff member in question, and [to] ensure she receives the appropriate support.

“The Leader of the Opposition has also referred this matter to the president of the NSW branch of the Labor Party.

“The matter is now subject to a police investigation, and as such it would be inappropriate to comment further.”

The AVO application is listed in court next Wednesday.