The Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has released a Progress Update on its Independent Review into Commonwealth Parliamentary Workplaces.
The AHRC said the Review was examining the culture of Commonwealth parliamentary workplaces with the aim of ensuring that the national Parliament reflected best practice in the prevention and response to bullying, sexual harassment and sexual assault.
Sex Discrimination Commissioner at the AHRC, Kate Jenkins, who is leading the Review, said she had been inspired by the courage and determination of those who had already engaged with the Review.
“We have heard about the challenges faced and your ideas for change and it has been a privilege to be trusted with your experiences and benefit from your insight,” Commissioner Jenkins said.
“Your commitment and drive for positive change is clear,” she said.
Commissioner Jenkins said that, as of 14 July, more than 345 people had participated in the Review, including through 222 interviews and 124 written submissions, and a further 125 people had registered for an interview, including 12 current or former Commonwealth parliamentarians.
She said current Commonwealth parliamentary workplace staff would be invited to participate in a voluntary online survey as part of the Review.
Commissioner Jenkins said that beginning this month, the Review team would also conduct a series of targeted focus groups with workplace staff.
The Commissioner urged everyone who currently worked, or had previously worked, in Commonwealth parliamentary workplaces to share their experiences, whether positive or negative, with the Review.
“All contributions are valuable and will ensure the findings and recommendations made in our final report are based on a comprehensive understanding of the nature and culture of Commonwealth parliamentary workplaces,” Commissioner Jenkins said.
The AHRC’s 13-page Review progress update can be downloaded at this PS News link and information on participating in the Review can be accessed at this link.
