Foley backtracks on ABC defamation threats

Former NSW leader Luke Foley says he won't proceed with a defamation suit against an ABC journalist who says he sexually harassed her.

Three weeks after he resigned amid the harassment allegations, Mr Foley on Wednesday confirmed he no longer wanted to pursue legal action.

"I've decided not to proceed with legal action," Mr Foley told AAP in a text message.

"It's in nobody's interests for this matter to be the subject of long-running court proceedings, and I won't put everyone through this."

ABC journalist Ashliegh Raper on November 8 issued a statement alleging Mr Foley reached inside her underpants and groped her buttocks at a parliament Christmas party in 2016.

Mr Foley, who has been on leave since his resignation, will not recontest his seat of Auburn in the March 2019 election.