KEY POINTS FROM THE SET THE STANDARD REPORT:
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
What has happened?
* 37 per cent of people in commonwealth parliamentary workplaces have personally experienced bullying.
* 65 per cent of the most recent bullying events occurred in Parliament House itself or the parliamentary precincts.
* 33 per cent of people have personally experienced sexual harassment in commonwealth parliamentary workplaces.
* 54 per cent of the most recent sexual harassment occurred at Parliament House.
* one per cent of people have experienced actual or attempted sexual assault in a commonwealth parliamentary workplace.
* Repeated misconduct is also an issue with 66 per cent of people reporting the bully had bullied other people and 28 per cent saying the harasser had harassed other people.
What is needed?
* Leadership: Strengthening leadership to ensure a safe and respectful work environment, including a joint statement of acknowledgement that owns and accepts the problem and demonstrates a commitment to action and shared accountability.
* Diversity, equality and inclusion: Specific strategies, including targets, to increase gender equality, diversity and inclusion amongst parliamentarians and their staff, and regular measurement and public reporting to monitor progress.
* Systems to support performance: Establishing a centralised Office for Staffing and Culture to support parliamentarians and their staff that has the authority to set and enforce standardised HR policies and processes.
* Standards, reporting and accountability: Establishing an Independent Parliamentary Standards Commission to provide safe and supported reporting options and oversee and enforce codes of conduct to hold people to account for misconduct through sanctions.
* Safety and wellbeing: A proactive focus on safety and wellbeing to mitigate the risk factors for misconduct, including a holistic health and wellbeing service and alcohol policies, with a view to restricting access in line with harm minimisation and safety.
(Source: Set the Standard report)
Australian Associated Press
