Former AOC chief executive Fiona de Jong published email correspondence between Coates and senior AOC staff relating to the solicitor working for the organisation.

De Jong said that the solicitor was undergoing treatment for cancer at the time but had missed barely any days of work.

Coates allegedly was claimed to have been critical of the worker's "poor performance" and showed no objection to the employee being on the verge of resigning.

The solicitor's name was redacted from the messages when they were published by De Jong.

"Do not hold back on accepting (redacted) resignation on my account," one email reads.

"(Redacted)'s a solicitor, hardly a junior member of staff," reads another.

"If she's offended it's probably time for her to get out in the real world.

"Ours is not a sheltered workshop."

Australian Paralympic Committee chief executive Lynne Anderson claimed the comments "portray disability in a negative light".

The term sheltered workshop, widely considered outdated, refers to an organisation or environment that employs people with disabilities separately from others.

Coates has now apologised for the comments, claiming that he has actively attempted to advance the cause of people with disabilities.

"Of course, it was the wrong choice of words," Coates told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

"I know that because I've spent most of my adult life advancing the cause of disabilities and for which the Australian Paralympic Committee extended me its highest award - the Australian Paralympic medal.

"It's actually one of the things I'm proudest of.

"Yes, I got the email wrong and apologise."

The email exchange was published after the vice-president of the International Olympic Committee refuted claims there was a culture of bullying at the AOC.

He had claimed allegations of bullying against Mike Tancred, who stood down as the AOC director of media and communications yesterday pending an investigation, are part of an orchestrated plot to ensure he loses the May 6 Presidential election to challenger Danielle Roche.

De Jong has hit back in a letter, published by The Herald Sun, which alleged seven separate complaints against Tancred and claims further complaints have been made against other AOC employees.

The AOC Executive Board yesterday agreed to an independent committee investigating a complaint by de Jong about Tancred, despite stating that the organisation have been dealing with the allegation since December 2016, upon receipt of the initial complaint.

The committee will comprise three senior counsel or retired judges, including at least one female within its membership, with a decision expected to be made within one month of the appointment.

A review overseen by incoming chief executive Matt Carroll will also assess workplace practices at the AOC.

It is believed the review will also assess other claims made against Tancred, who denies all allegations made against him.

De Jong has questioned the independence of the review, stating that Carroll would be placed in a difficult position to lead the assessment.

"I would question the ability of any CEO to be truly independent and impartial in circumstances that the CEO was to become aware of an allegation against an individual to whom he or she reports," de Jong told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

"That is, any other members of the Board or indeed a President.

"Why can't it just be a fully independent commission as has been the case established to hear my complaint?"

Roche has responded to the allegations of bullying by claiming a change of culture is needed at the organisation.

The Atlanta 1996 Olympic hockey gold medallist claims she would reset the culture of the AOC should she be elected on May 6.

"I’m very concerned about the culture at the AOC," Roche told The Herald Sun.

"On the day I announced I was standing for the role, I made a commitment to resetting the philosophy and culture of the AOC.

"The need for change is now clear.

"It needs to change and needs to change now.

"Allegations of bullying and intimidation are of a very serious nature.

"Bullying and intimidation have no place in any workplace, let alone one that is responsible for promoting and upholding the spirit of the Olympic Movement."

Roche has been viewed as the Australian Sports Commission's (ASC) chosen candidate for the AOC Presidency, which has been criticised by Coates.

In a letter to Summer and Winter Olympic sports, Roche vowed to resign from the ASC Board should she be elected President.