Key points
- The Independent Review into Commonwealth Parliamentary Workplaces is inviting participation from current and former MOP(S) Act employees and parliamentarians.
- You are encouraged to participate in the Review should you wish to do so, and to support any current or former staff or colleagues to do the same.
- Information on participating in the Review is available on the Australian Human Rights Commission website.
As you are aware, following consultation across the Parliament, the Government established the Independent Review into Commonwealth Parliamentary Workplaces. Conducted independently and at arms-length of Government by the Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins, the Review aims to ensure all Commonwealth Parliamentary workplaces are safe and respectful and that our national Parliament reflects best practice in the prevention and handling of bullying, sexual harassment and sexual assault.
Commissioner Jenkins has now confirmed the Review has received ethics approval, and has invited current and former staff and Parliamentarians to participate in the Review by sharing their ideas and experiences working in all the offices and locations that comprise Commonwealth Parliamentary workplaces.
In keeping with the cross-party support for the establishment of the Review, I encourage you to participate in the Review should you wish to do so, and to support any current or former staff or colleagues to do the same. Sharing your personal experiences will assist the Review to understand our workplaces and make recommendations for best practice improvement.
Supports are available for participants to access, such as the free, anonymous, independent and confidential Parliamentary Support Line 1800 APH SPT (1800 274 778) and other services listed on the Australian Human Rights Commission website.
Participation in the Review by current and former staff is of paramount importance. As such, the Government expects that Parliamentarians will permit their staff reasonable time on duty to prepare for and participate in the Review. Further advice on these arrangements will be provided separately.
More information on the Review and how to participate is available on the Australian Human Rights Commission website.
Yours sincerely
Simon Birmingham
Minister for Finance
20 May 2021