Victorian MP stood down over intimidation claims says they are 'baseless and untrue'

Victorian Minister for Small Business Adem Somyurek has been stood down following reports he had behaved in a "threatening" and "intimidating" manner.

Premier Daniel Andrews held a press conference at 2pm to announce a complaint had been made against Mr Somyurek by his Chief of Staff on Thursday, which had been made official yesterday.

Mr Andrews said Mr Somyurek was stood down pending an investigation into the allegations he displayed threatening behaviour towards staff.

"As a result of the complaint, and my conversation with the minister this morning, I've stood the minister down from his ministerial duties," he said.

The premier said the allegations Mr Somyurek behaved in a "intimidating, aggressive, threatening" way were of a "serious nature".

"I believe that every single Victorian should feel safe at work, and one of the ways that you guarantee that is to have a very strong and robust complaints process," he said.

"There are a number of incidents that are referred to in the complaint, (but) I can't give you an exact number."

In a statement, Mr Somyurek said "these allegations are completely baseless and untrue".

"I welcome the review and the opportunity to clear my name," he said.

Mr Somyurek is a four-term member of the Upper House for the south-east metro region.

He was stood down from a committee position in 2009 after he received a suspended sentence for driving while disqualified.

A complaint has not been made to police.

Mr Andrews will take on Mr Somyurek's portfolio responsibilities.