A review into alleged serious incidents committed in the Parliamentary workplace, investigated by Deputy Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C), Stephanie Foster (pictured), has been released.
In a statement, the PM&C said the Review of the Parliamentary Workplace: Responding to Serious Incidents was requested by Prime Minister, Scott Morrison and the Government had accepted the recommendations in full.
“Implementation is under way on an independent complaints mechanism for staff and Parliamentarians,” it said.
The Department noted that the Review was triggered by reports of an alleged sexual assault in a Ministerial office in March 2019.
Mr Morrison had asked that the Review be conducted by Ms Foster and that it provide recommendations on how to ensure independence from the employer in such processes, empowerment to victims and timely, effective and ongoing services and support.
“The Review found that the current procedures and processes were not designed or able to respond appropriately to serious incidents in the Parliamentary workplace, particularly to sexual assault,” the Department said.
“The most significant gap is the absence of readily accessible, timely, independent, trauma-informed services and response mechanisms, now partially remedied with the introduction of a dedicated 24/7 support line.”
The Department said the Review found two other critical areas which required immediate action.
“There was a need for 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,” it said.
The Department said this should be coupled with a clearly-articulated leadership commitment and actions in relation to promoting a safe and respectful workplace.
“The Review also heard a strong case for change — most particularly around creating a safe environment for people to call out unacceptable behaviour or report serious incidents,” it said.
“It is a watershed moment for the Parliament,” the Department said.
The 105-page Review can be accessed at this PS News link.
