Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has called on acting Prime Minister Richard Marles to address his chief of staff’s claims she was ousted from her job after complaining about bullying from her colleagues.

Jo Tarnawsky became Marles’ chief of staff soon after the party won government in 2022, and he became defence minister.

Marles himself is not accused of bullying, but Tarnawsky, a former diplomat and one of the most senior women in the government, claims he shunted her aside in April despite never previously taking issue with her performance.

Dutton, speaking to Ray Hadley on Sydney’s 2GB Mornings, said he saw the media reports about the “serious claims”, and Marles would have to address the media to give his account of what happened.

“Her story is very concerning, and I don’t think it’s something the government can let go through to the keeper,” Dutton said.

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“Obviously, Richard Marles is now the acting prime minister, and Prime Minister [Anthony] Albanese is overseas, so it will be up to Richard, I would have thought, to make comment and to address the serious allegations that have been made.

“Certainly, I hadn’t heard of it, and nobody raised it with me, so perhaps they were trying to deal with it internally and resolve the matter. But it’s very unusual that you would have somebody that senior put off into, essentially, a room to work by themselves, or they need to give 24 hours notice to come into the office.”

A spokesperson for the deputy prime minister said a number of the assertions and recollections were contested.

“Ms Tarnawsky remains a member of staff,” the spokesperson said in a statement.

“Ms Tarnawsky has been treated with respect and courtesy. At all times, the wellbeing of staff, including Ms Tarnawsky, has been front of mind.”