The woman who accused Barnaby Joyce of sexual harassment says she is "disappointed" the investigation is being used for political advantage.
Catherine Marriott says she asked the WA National Party what to do, and then went to the federal party with a confidential complaint, which was then leaked to the media.
"I am disappointed if my complaint along with my efforts to have this confidentially investigated are being used for political advantage and my integrity as a result, questioned," Ms Marriott said in a statement on Wednesday.
"I never wanted this issue made public. I specifically requested a private and confidential investigation.
"My complaint was made to the National party in a manner that was meant to protect the privacy of the person involved and I was assured confidentiality."
The WA branch of the party did a review to find out how Ms Marriott's complaint against the former deputy prime minister, who denies the allegations, became public.
The review found the backgrounding of "political operatives" interfered with due process and ultimately led to the naming of the alleged victim.
"It is clear that the actions of the (WA parliamentary) members dealing with this matter further compromised the party and the victim," the review by WA Nationals state president James Hayward, according to Fairfax Media.
Mr Joyce cited Ms Marriott's allegation as the final straw that led him to resign after 16 days of scandal over his affair with his now-pregnant former staffer Vikki Campion.
Ms Marriott said she hired to lawyer to make sure the complaint was dealt with professionally and then hired a media adviser after her name was leaked and she was inundated with calls.
"This complaint was made not only to address the incident against me - it was about speaking up against inappropriate behaviour by people in powerful positions," she said.
"Suggestions to the contrary are hurtful, incorrect and the very reason why I hesitated to come forward at the time of the incident."
