26 September 2023

Workplace review brings Parliament to book

Start the conversation

The findings of a review into the procedures and processes for dealing with serious incidents affecting employees in the Parliament have been released for feedback from the Government, opposition, other parties, cross bench and staff members employed in the system.

Conducted by the Deputy Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Stephanie Foster, the report Review of the Parliamentary Workplace: Responding to Serious Incidents, involved identifying, reporting and responding to incidents that had occurred during Parliamentary employment.

In her Report, Ms Foster said current procedures and processes were not designed or able to respond appropriately to serious incidents in the Parliamentary workplace, particularly to sexual assault.

“The most significant gap is the absence of readily accessible, timely, independent, trauma-informed services and response mechanisms,” Ms Foster said.

“The review found two other critical areas requiring immediate action: a trusted, independent complaints mechanism able to deliver proportionate consequences for misconduct, and tailored, face to face education and support for Parliamentarians and their staff in preventing, identifying and responding to serious incidents in the workplace,” she said.

“Coupled with a clearly articulated leadership commitment and actions in relation to promoting a safe and respectful workplace, these findings form the basis for the recommendations in the review.”

Ms Foster acknowledged the strong sense of pride felt by Parliamentary staff as part of the Parliament workforce, and their commitment to making a difference to Australia and for Australians.

She also heard a strong case for change, particularly for creating a safe environment for people to call out unacceptable behaviour or report serious incidents.

“It is a watershed moment for the Parliament, and an opportunity to change the way it balances its pressured, complex, inherently insecure and intensely political environment with its legal and ethical obligations to provide a safe and respectful workplace,” Ms Foster said.

“Unacceptable behaviour, whether by Parliamentarians or staff, inflicts damage on everyone and undermines the legitimacy and authority of the Parliament, and its ability to attract and retain high quality staff.”

She said the Parliamentary workplace was like no other with a fundamental complexity requiring a comprehensive and nuanced response over time.

Ms Foster made five recommendations focused on changes that could be made in the short term, including that Parliamentary leaders commit to reform of the current system for reporting and responding to serious incidents; establishing a new framework for reporting and responding to serious incidents; establishing a timely, independent, confidential, and trauma-informed support system; establishing an independent complaints mechanism; and implementing a comprehensive awareness raising and education program.

The Deputy Secretary’s 103-page Report can be accessed at this PS News link.

Start the conversation

Be among the first to get all the Public Sector and Defence news and views that matter.

Subscribe now and receive the latest news, delivered free to your inbox.

By submitting your email address you are agreeing to Region Group's terms and conditions and privacy policy.