The Parliamentary Workplace Support Service (PWSS) offers a range of services to promote safe, respectful and high-performing Commonwealth parliamentary workplaces. The PWSS welcomes all enquiries, and takes a collaborative and empowering approach to find the best solution for your situation.
The PWSS provides independent and confidential support for all workplace conflict. This includes early intervention and resolution for all Commonwealth parliamentary workplace participants. Where appropriate, the PWSS can refer matters involving Members of Parliament (Staff) 1984 Act employees and parliamentarians for independent review.
The PWSS offers flexible, tailored training and education services to meet the unique needs of the parliamentary context. Examples include:
- Establishing shared values, behaviours and healthy workplace culture
- De-escalation techniques for responding safely and effectively to challenging interactions
- Cultivating resilience in the workplace and maintaining performance under pressure
- Responding to disclosures of workplace incidents
- Sustaining psychological safety when working with trauma-related and emotionally impactful material
The PWSS can work with you to create a specific session for your team, and invites enquiries about education services that might best suit your requirements.
Support:
If something has already happened to you in a parliamentary workplace, such as workplace conflict, bullying, sexual assault or assault, sexual harassment or harassment, the PWSS is available to support you.
If you have experienced or witnessed workplace conduct that concerns you, you can report this to PWSS. The PWSS accepts anonymous reports, or you can choose to use a pseudonym. Bystanders can also make an anonymous report through the PWSS website.
An experienced case coordinator will have a confidential conversation with you about what has happened and provide you with support and advice on your options. This may include counselling or referral to specialised support services. With your consent, the PWSS may assist you to make a report to the police, or can commence an independent review.
Contact the PWSS:
You can contact the PWSS by phoning 1800 PH PWSS (1800 747 977), by SMS to 0487 112 755, or by email to support@PWSS.gov.au
You can also visit the PWSS office at M2.105 at Australian Parliament House, which is staffed from 8:30am to 5pm on non-sitting days and 8:30am to 8pm on sitting days. Meetings can also be arranged outside of these hours. Meetings can be arranged in person in our office space, offsite, or virtually.
If you are in immediate danger please call 000, or for emergencies at Parliament House call 02 6277 7117 (ext 7117).