New South Wales Nationals MP Michael Johnsen has resigned as parliamentary secretary after a rape allegation was aired in parliament.

Labor MP Trish Doyle told the lower house she had been contacted by a sex worker who said she “had recently been assaulted in my electorate” by a government MP.

Ms Doyle alleged the woman told her that she had consented only to oral sex and that she did not consent to penetrative sex.

“She tells me she made herself clear that she was not willing to have penetrative sex with him, however towards the end the man moved around behind her and assaulted her in a way she had not consented to,” Ms Doyle told parliament.

She did not mention the name of the alleged rapist.

Hours later, Mr Johnsen issued a statement saying he is “devastated by these allegations”. 

“I have voluntarily spoken with NSW police and I have and will continue to fully cooperate with their inquiries,” he said. 

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

He says he will take a “short” period of leave.

NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro says he sought Mr Johnsen’s resignation as parliamentary secretary.

“In light of the police investigation and upon learning of allegations against the Member for Upper Hunter Michael Johnsen, I sought Mr Johnsen’s resignation from his role as Parliamentary Secretary and he duly resigned,” Mr Barilaro said in a statement.

“Mr Johnsen also agreed to no longer sit in Nationals Party Room nor Joint Party Room while the police investigation is underway.”

NSW police says the matter was reported in September 2020.

“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 spokesperson said in a statement.

“The matter was reported and referred to the squad in late September 2020 and has been under investigation since. As the inquiries are ongoing, we are not in a position to provide any further details.”

If this article causes distress, help is available via the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service on 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732), Lifeline 131 114, or Beyond Blue 1300 224 636. For help in a crisis call 000.