A Victorian Government Minister has been stood down by Premier Daniel Andrews over allegations of bullying behaviour.

Mr Andrews called a snap press conference on Saturday to announce the action, saying the abusive behaviour complaint about Adem Somyurek was of a “serious nature” and “might” be a police matter.

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“It is alleged that his personal behaviour was of a threatening, intimidating nature,” Mr Andrews said of the Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade.

“The Minister has been stood down and there will be a full inquiry, run by the secretary of the Department of Premier and Cabinet.

“I do hope that takes weeks rather than months, and I am certain it will.”

The Premier said Mr Somyurek did not accept the claims made against him.

Mr Somyurek released a statement on Saturday afternoon saying the allegations were “completely baseless and untrue”.

“Today I stood aside from official duties effective immediately until the completion of a review by the secretary of Premier and Cabinet, Chris Eccles,” the statement read.

“Upon hearing of recent allegations I sought an immediate investigation.

“These allegations are completely baseless and untrue.

“I welcome the review and the opportunity to clear my name.”

Somyurek’s chief of staff raised concerns: Premier

Mr Andrews said Mr Somyurek’s chief of staff approached to the Premier’s office with concerns about the Minister’s behaviour on Thursday.

“That culminated in a formal complaint being made through the Department of Premier and Cabinet yesterday,” he said.

“Further to that it resulted in me meeting with the Minister in my office at Treasury Place this morning.”

The Premier said he would act as the Small Business Minister in Mr Somyurek’s stead.

He said the complaint involved other staff members and referred to a “number” of incidents that would all be investigated.

“The complaint has been made by the chief of staff to the Minister and details, at least in her mind… a pattern of abusive behaviour, inappropriate behaviour,” he said.

“The behaviour, as alleged by the complainant, relates to her feeling intimidated, feeling unsafe. I don’t want to go any further than that.”

Mr Andrews said the Government had “wasted no time” in dealing with the issue.

But Victorian Opposition Leader Matthew Guy said Mr Andrews took too long to act.

“Pretty hard to believe that a formal complaint about a minister’s behaviour [is lodged] and the Premier doesn’t speak to him for 24 hours,” he said.

Mr Andrews said the Secretary of the Department of Premier and Cabinet could refer the matter to police if it were warranted.

“I have asked as part of the inquiry that the secretary will undertake to refer any matters to any other body as he may see fit,” he said.

“I think it’s much better if he makes those judgements independent of any political process.”

Mr Andrews said he did not believe the chief of staff had made a separate complaint to police.

Mr Somyurek has been a member of the Upper House since 2002, and has served as a Minister since Labor took power last year.