FORMER One Nation Senator Brian Burston has threatened defamation proceedings against Pauline Hanson after sexual harassment and bullying complaints by former staff were declined.
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The Hunter-based senator said he could seek "substantial damages" after a fiery television interview where Ms Hanson made false allegations about "the sexual abuse and harassment that was going on with the female staff" in Senator Burston's office.
He denied the allegations "completely, absolutely and utterly".
"Those statements have caused me extreme embarrassment and humiliation. These allegations have strained my relationships with my family, friends and professional colleagues," he said in a statement on Wednesday after confirming he had sent defamation notices to Ms Hanson and a former staff member.
Senator Burston said he was defamed in the television interview and in documents distributed within parliament and to some journalists.
Documents seen by the Newcastle Herald show complaints to Comcare by four former staff members seeking compensation for alleged bullying and sexual harassment have been declined.
Senator Burston said he would lodge a complaint with Comcare in coming weeks seeking an investigation into the allegations made against him.
He said he was not surprised the claims against him were declined.
Senator Burston quit One Nation in June after a falling-out with the party's leader. He later joined Clive Palmer's United Australia Party.
Ms Hanson's chief of staff James Ashby is defending Senator Burston's application for an apprehended violence order against him after an altercation between the two men in Federal Parliament on February 13.
Mr Ashby was banned from Parliament House the following day for an indefinite period for "inappropriate behaviour" towards Senator Burston.
The Australian Federal Police has confirmed it is investigating the altercation. Senator Burston and wife Rosalyn made electronic records of interview on March 14 following a complaint by Senator Burston.
Mr Ashby's solicitor Danny Eid told Toronto Local Court magistrate Alan Railton that his client opposed the AVO application initiated by Senator Burston. The matter has been referred to the Community Justice Centre to see if it can be resolved by mediation. It is listed to return to court on May 28.
Ms Hanson did not respond to a request for comment.
