An independent review into Commonwealth Parliamentary workplaces is to be led by the Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Kate Jenkins.
Minister for Finance, Simon Birmingham said the aim of the Independent Review would be to ensure that all Commonwealth Parliamentary workplaces were safe and respectful, and that the national Parliament reflected best practice in the prevention and handling of bullying, sexual harassment and sexual assault.
Commissioner Jenkins said the Australian Human Rights Commission would begin its work to establish the Independent Review immediately, and would outline the process of how staff members could engage with the Review soon.
“This Review will hear the experiences of current and former Commonwealth Parliamentarians, current and former staff of Parliamentarians, and staff working within the Parliament,” Ms Jenkins said.
“I urge every staff member to share their experiences with us via a confidential written submission or interview,” she said.
“Your first-hand experiences will be critical to this Review and will build a safer, more equal workplace for everyone.”
Ms Jenkins said the Review would build on the findings of her National Inquiry into Sexual Harassment in Australian Workplaces 2020, Respect@Work.
She said that as an independent statutory authority, the Australian Human Rights Commission was uniquely positioned to undertake this type of Review.
“Investigations into individual matters or allegations will not form part of this Review,” she said.
“I urge Commonwealth Parliamentary staff to access the Parliamentary Support Line on 1800 APH SPT or 1800 274 778, which will provide them with support or referrals to police or other specialist services,” she said.
Ms Jenkins said her Report would be tabled in Parliament and published in November.
Further information on the Independent Review, including the terms of reference, can be accessed at this PS News link.
