A lecturer who “abused his position of power” by having a sexual relationship with one of this students, has lost his job at the Australian National University.

The student lodged an official complaint with the university because of the emotional trauma the affair caused her.

She said the staff member claimed to be a “polamorist”and once told her he was old enough to be her father.

“I have never thought a lecturer at ANU would abuse his power and the trust from his student in such a disgraceful way and I do not want any other student to have this experience,” the student explained in a confidential report, seen by Fairfax Media .

She also said he may have had relations with two other students before her.

The staff member was a lecturer in the Crawford School of Public Policy. Image: Wikipedia

The man was suspended with pay in August last year while the university investigated the allegations.

Their report contained details of the pair’s text messages and email correspondence, in which they apparently discussed monogamy, marriage and Christianity.

The lecturer characterised his behaviour as foolish and unprofessional but described the girl’s advances as unwelcome.

“He stated that he tried to keep the relationship hidden, which was a poor decision, and he conceded that he had breached the ANU Code of Conduct,” the report said.

“[He] stated that he feels great remorse and shame over this incident, is disappointed in himself, and is concerned about how this damages the perception of the university.”

A spokesperson from ANU told Fairfax that the university “treats serious any allegation of inappropriate behaviour” and students reporting such incidents are given access to support services.