Peter van Onselen accused of humiliating and belittling colleague in federal court claim against Network Ten

She claims the network did nothing about her treatment, and that she was threatened with disciplinary action when she resisted making a formal statement about an alleged sexist remark that she had overheard.

After initially resisting making a statement about the alleged remark in May 2021, she was threatened with disciplinary action and eventually relented, the statement says.

George claims that from early 2020 Van Onselen avoided talking to her and only communicated via text message, and further humiliated her by sending a script she had written to a minister behind her back.

George claims Van Onselen variously used Twitter, Ten group emails and WhatsApp messages to undermine her.

After a September meeting with Ten management and the media union at which George was visibly distressed, according to the statement of claim, Van Onselen published a tweet which she felt was directed at her.

George, who has deleted her Twitter account, is represented by employment lawyers Maurice Blackburn.

Van Onselen has been approached for comment.

Network Ten is expected to file its defence to the claim in due course.

He is also a professor of politics at the University of Western Australia.