Rape claim aired in NSW parly, MP on leave

Trish Doyle used parliamentary privilege on Wednesday to allege an MP, who she did not name, raped the sex worker, who did not consent to penetrative sex.

Ms Doyle, the Blue Mountains MP and Labor spokeswoman for women, said the allegation occurred about 18 months ago at a lookout in Yellow Rock.

The woman has since approached police with her complaint.

"It is all the worse that this man who raped her is a government member of this chamber ... his power and privileged position as a civic leader make that fear, anger and hurt all the worse," Ms Doyle told the NSW lower house.

"The abuse of power and privilege to harass, coerce and assault women in the home, the street and the workplace must stop ... perpetrators must be held accountable."

Ms Doyle's remarks came amid a parliamentary public interest debate on sexual violence and harassment.

Later on Wednesday NSW Nationals MP Michael Johnsen issued a statement to say he was taking immediate leave.

"I am devastated by these allegations," Mr Johnsen said.

"I have voluntarily spoken with NSW Police and I have and will continue to fully cooperate with their inquiries.

"I am confident any investigation will conclude that I am an innocent party.

"Without admission, I have chosen to step aside from my Parliamentary Secretary role, and will not sit in the Nationals party room nor the joint party room.

"I will be taking leave effective immediately for a short duration."

NSW Police confirmed they were aware of Ms Doyle's allegation.

"Detectives from the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad are investigating allegations of sexual violence against a woman in the Blue Mountains in September 2019," a statement from the force read.

"The matter was reported and referred to the squad in late September 2020 and has been under investigation since."

Premier Gladys Berejiklian has been approached for comment.

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Australian Associated Press