Federal Labor backbencher Emma Husar says she is “horrified” to learn the New South Wales ALP is investigating allegations of bullying and misconduct levelled at her by former staff.

Buzzfeed News reported the allegations late on Thursday, suggesting former staff had accused the Member for Lindsay in Sydney’s western suburbs had been responsible for verbal abuse, harassment, intimidation and demanding staff carry out personal duties for her.

Ms Husar has been a member of Federal Parliament since 2016, and she denied staff had raised issues with her before the investigation was launched in March.

“I love my job and I am incredibly passionate about representing the Lindsay community I have lived in my whole life. My community doesn’t get the air time it deserves and I am working hard to change that,” Ms Husar said in a statement.

“The assertions that have been made do not reflect who I am or how my office operates.

“My office is a professional and respectful workplace. It should not be perceived in any other way, and of course I am sorry if any person has been given reason to think otherwise.

“I am a single mum with three children, working hard and doing my best. If I have let anyone down, I apologise.”

NSW Labor said it had an independent process for assessing complaints, which would provide advice on how to respond to the allegations.

“The process is mindful to provide protection to the complainant and also procedural fairness to the subject of the complaint,” a party spokesman said.

“As such, no public comment is made during the course of any independent assessments.

“Where appropriate, public comment may be made at the conclusion of the independent process.”

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten’s office did not comment on Thursday.

-ABC