Safe and respectful workplace culture

Bullying and harassment, including sexual harassment, is unacceptable in all workplaces, including within parliamentarians' offices.

Expansion of Parliamentary Workplace Support Service (PWSS)

As recommended by Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins in Set the Standard: Report on the Independent Review into Commonwealth Parliamentary Workplaces, the Parliamentary Workplace Support Service (PWSS) was expanded on 12 April 2022 so that all Commonwealth parliamentary workplace participants are able to access support and advice from the PWSS, in relation to serious incidents or misconduct, and workplace conflict that amounts to a work health and safety risk. 

The Parliamentary Workplace Support Service supports people affected by serious incidents or misconduct in the parliamentary workplace.

They offer expert, trauma informed support and resolution of complaints.

More information can be found on the PWSS website.

Set the Standard: Report on the Independent Review into Commonwealth Parliamentary Workplaces

The Government has released the Report into Commonwealth Parliamentary Workplaces (CPW) undertaken by the Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins and the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC), Set the Standard: Report on the Independent Review into Commonwealth Parliamentary Workplaces. The Review was established by the Government following consultation across the Parliament to ensure all Commonwealth parliamentary workplaces are safe and respectful and that the parliament reflects best practice in the prevention and handling of bullying, sexual harassment, and sexual assault. The report sets out a framework for action organised under five key shifts required to ensure safe and respectful work environments in CPWs in the areas of leadership, diversity, equality and inclusion, systems to support performance, standards reporting and accountability and safety and wellbeing. In this short video, Commissioner Jenkins discusses the Review and describes the specific drivers and risk factors for bullying, sexual harassment and sexual assault in CPWs.

The AHRC has also developed a Support and self-care guide, with additional supports.

What is inappropriate behaviour and sexual harassment?

Inappropriate behaviour by anyone in the workplace is unacceptable and can have significant consequences for individuals. It is expected that everyone in the workplace will behave in a professional manner, and treat each other with dignity and respect.

What can I do if I am being bullied or harassed at work?

You can report workplace bullying and harassment by contacting PWSS, the Fair Work Commission, the Australian Human Rights Commission and Comcare. You can also access support through the Employee Assistance Program.

What can I do if I am accused of workplace bullying or harassment?

Being accused of bullying behaviour can be upsetting and may come as a shock but it is important to be open to feedback from others, and if necessary, be prepared to change your behaviour.

Preventing workplace bullying and harassment

Building a safer and respectful workplace culture is the most important thing an employer can do to prevent issues of workplace bullying or harassment.

Parliamentary Workplace Support Service

The Parliamentary Workplace Support Service (PWSS) is an independent and confidential service for everyone who works or volunteers in a Commonwealth Parliamentary workplace, who has been impacted by serious incidents or misconduct, or workplace conflict that amounts to a work health and safety risk

Responding and support

Parliamentarians and MOP(S) Act employees can access a range of guidance and support to assist when dealing with WHS incidents or concerns.

National Anti-Corruption Commission

NACC will be an independent Commonwealth agency that will detect, investigate and report on serious or systemic corrupt conduct in the Commonwealth public sector, including for parliamentarians and MoP(S) Act employees.

Safe and respectful workplaces training

Face-to-face tailored workplace education for parliamentarians and MOP(S) Act employees that supports them to understand their rights and responsibilities in the workplace, what constitutes unacceptable behaviour and how to respond to serious incidents when they occur.

Legislation and policies

Parliamentarians and MOP(S) Act employees have duties under the WHS Act to ensure the health and safety of themselves and those around them. Formal bullying and harassment policies also cover parliamentarians and MOP(S) Act employees.