A federal court ordered the Senate to reinstate one of its executive officials after he claimed he was fired for reasons related to racial discrimination.

Darshan Singh held the position of Human Resources Director at the Senate for two years, but his lawyer says he is not interested in returning to this role.

Senate administration officials told the public sector labor court that Darshan Singh was fired in December 2015 due to his attitude and behavior towards his supervisor, but Darshan Singh said his manager fired him because of racial bias.

Senate lawyers also revealed during court proceedings that emails sent by Senator David Wells and former Senator George Foley discussed Darshan Singh with former Senate President Senator Leo Hozakos days before his dismissal.

The court ordered the Senate to submit the emails, but its lawyers argued that the emails were protected by parliamentary privilege and immunity, a type of legal immunity aimed at helping Parliament maintain its independence.

Senators were also scheduled to vote on submitting the emails, but before the vote, lawyers from both sides reached a confidential settlement last month approved by the court.