The staffer who's accused federal parliamentary Speaker Peter Slipper of sexual harassment texted him to say he had no respect for Howard-era minister Mal Brough, according to his affidavit to the Federal Court.
Mr Slipper and the Commonwealth have claimed that text messages show the staffer, James Ashby, provided politically sensitive material to the Speaker's political opponents, including Mr Brough, while working for Mr Slipper.
Mr Ashby is suing Mr Slipper and the Commonwealth, claiming Mr Slipper made unwelcome sexual advances and sent him explicit text messages.
In his affidavit of April 13, released by the Federal Court on Monday, he says he texted Mr Slipper on February 26 after Mr Slipper said he would be upset if Mr Ashby helped anyone running "for the party that is seeking to end my career".
Mr Ashby said he replied he was "more than loyal" and "we're all working for your re-election, to think otherwise is just ludicrous".
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"I then followed that with, 'I've told you the only assistance is and will be towards the State candidates. I have no respect for Mal Brough and never will".
The Australian newspaper reported on Monday that Mr Ashby also received informal legal advice from a lawyer who is an LNP member.
It says the lawyer was present at one of three meetings between Mr Ashby and former Howard government minister Mal Brough, whom the federal government accuses of trying to damage Mr Slipper.
Queensland Water Minister Mark McArdle declined to say on Monday whether he was the lawyer and added that he didn't want to take part in the politics "whirling around" the matter.
"I'm not going to enter into a political debate on a very serious allegation that is being politicised for various reasons," he told ABC Radio.
"This is a litigation matter before a tribunal, that is the forum for debate and discussion."
Mr Brough, who intends to challenge in the seat of Fisher held by Mr Slipper, says claims that he and others were in a plot to discredit the Speaker are "outrageous".
But Mr Slipper and the Commonwealth have asked the judge to throw out the case, saying it is "an abuse of the process of the court".
On Friday, the Commonwealth's QC, Julian Burnside, said mobile phone records showed Mr Ashby and his fellow adviser Karen Doane - who are both on paid leave - provided sensitive material to Mr Slipper's opponents and to Steve Lewis, the News Limited journalist who broke the story.
Justice Steven Rares has granted leave for subpoenas to be issued for Mr Lewis, Ms Doane, Mr Brough and Mr Ashby's media spokesman Anthony McClellan.
They are to provide all material involving communications between them and Mr Ashby.
The April 13 affidavit is a redacted version, but Mr Slipper and the Commonwealth have successfully applied for the full version, which has not been released publicly.
