Top Aussie Govt official blasts 'malicious' barmaid sex claims

South Australian Premier Mike Rann is embroiled in a sex scandal with an ex-Parliamentary waitress. Photo / Richard Robinson

South Australian Premier Mike Rann says the interview confession of a married barmaid alleging they had a sexual affair contained some "totally false" allegations.

But the premier, in his first public comment on the controversy, did not deny he had a sexual relationship with the woman, Michelle Chantelois.

Ms Chantelois, in a paid interview with the Seven Network screened yesterday, claimed she had a lengthy affair with the premier that included sex on his Parliament House desk.

Mr Rann today released a written statement confirming his friendship with Ms Chantelois, who worked as a waitress in the dining room at Parliament House.

"I am saddened that last night's Channel Seven program included a series of allegations that were totally false," Mr Rann said in the statement.

"It is disappointing and distressing that a friendship I had with Michelle Chantelois more than four years ago has become the subject of such sensationalised publicity.

"I can only imagine that Ms Chantelois has faced some serious family difficulties in the past four years and if our past friendship contributed to those difficulties then I deeply regret that.

"But I reject any suggestion that I preyed on her vulnerabilities or exploited her in any way whatsoever."

Mr Rann said he refused to comment on the Sunday Night story on legal advice.

"Channel Seven has confirmed that Ms Chantelois received payment for her to say the things she said on their program," he said.

"I am told that Channel Seven and New Idea have paid her an enormous amount of money.

"I find that most disappointing."

Mr Rann said he had never denied a friendship with Ms Chantelois.

"Indeed, during a court case involving her husband's business, her decision to go to university and with personal problems she had, I provided her advice and support," he said.

"I repeat that my friendship with Ms Chantelois, who I haven't seen since 2005, occurred prior to my engagement to my wife Sasha, who was fully aware of the friendship at the time."

Mr Rann married Sasha Carruzzo in July 2006.

"Last night's program was malicious in nature and concerned matters that had nothing to do with my role as premier," Mr Rann said.

"I intend making a more detailed statement later today."

In the interview, Ms Chantelois said the sexual relationship started when Mr Rann asked her to his office because "he wanted to kiss me".

"There was sex involved, there was sexual contact and intimacy involved," she said.

Their sexual relationship did not begin until 2003 - a year after he became premier - when she was working late one night, according to The Australian.

Ms Chantelois said she soon resigned from her parliamentary catering job and broke off contact with Mr Rann, but they resumed their relationship through phone calls and text messages in 2004.

In an interview with New Idea magazine, she revealed that she had sex with Mr Rann on his office desk in Parliament House.

"When I got there, he grabbed me and pinned me against the door and began kissing me with his tongue," Ms Chantelois told the magazine in a paid interview published today.

"Then he guided me to his desk and sat me on top of his desk and dropped his trousers and had sex with me.

"It was mutual and I was not surprised."

Ms Chantelois - a married mother-of-two - said she was flattered by the attention.

"I have to admit there was some chemistry between us," she said.

"I knew it was wrong but I was attracted to him.

"I don't want people to feel sorry for me because I have made my bed and I have to lie in it.

"But Mike Rann used me to stroke his own ego and pride and unlike me he has suffered no consequences.

"He has shown poor judgment and he hasn't shown me any loyalty or friendship.

"I don't think he should be premier, it's time he took responsibility for his actions."

Ms Chantelois said Mr Rann made it clear "this was going to be our little secret" and had rules including "we can't fall in love with each other".

On one occasion, the pair went to Mr Rann's office and "the clothes came off, the intercourse began", she said.

Ms Chantelois also detailed late night encounters at Mr Rann's house and at a city golf course.

"We would go parking ... it was always late in the evening, dark, no one could see us," she said.

She said she was speaking out because "I couldn't go to my grave with these lies".

- AAP