Peter Dutton (Dickson, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you very much, Mr Speaker, for tabling the second annual report of the Parliamentary Leadership Taskforce. It's an important occasion to reflect on how we've reached this point. In March 2021 the former coalition government, with the support of the then Labor opposition and the crossbenchers, established an independent review into Commonwealth parliamentary workplaces. The review was led by Kate Jenkins, the former Sex Discrimination Commissioner. Ms Jenkins's report, entitled Set the standard, was published in November 2021 and contained 28 recommendations. One of these recommendations called for the formation of the Parliamentary Leadership Taskforce, comprised of parliamentarians across the political spectrum and an independent chair. The taskforce first met in February 2022, and in the same month the presiding officers delivered a joint statement of acknowledgement on behalf of the taskforce. That statement recognised the unacceptable history of workplace bullying, sexual harassment and sexual assault in Commonwealth parliamentary workplaces. The statement was also a pledge that all members of parliament would commit, both personally and collectively, to bring about necessary change: through our words and our deeds, we would set a standard to be emulated in workplaces across the nation.

Whether we are an elected parliamentarian, a political adviser or a public servant, we all serve the public, and our service is a privilege. The Australian public's confidence and trust in this parliament and in the bureaucracy are directly connected to the conduct of all of those who have the privilege to serve their fellow Australians. Australians demand and expect of us higher standards, and we should offer nothing less in return. The Parliamentary Leadership Taskforce's annual report provides an update on the implementation of the recommendations of the Set the standard report. I commend Dr Vivienne Thom for her work as the taskforce's independent chair, and I also acknowledge the previous chair, Dr Kerri Hartland. I'd also like to thank the members of the taskforce: the members for Farrer, Newcastle and Warringah, and senators Perin Davey, Jane Hume, Don Farrell, Katy Gallagher and Larissa Waters.

Good progress has been made since the last annual report. The number of recommendations fully implemented has increased from six to 13. The first six recommendations are partially implemented, eight are in progress and one is pending. Out of the seven recommendations which have been fully implemented since the last annual report—that is, Nos 8, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16 and 25—we have seen initiatives to promote respect and inclusion within political parties and parliamentary departments, the employment of new management practices and training materials to support performance, as well as new guidance provided for employee termination, and new health and safety obligations implemented. The coalition is proud of the large body of work which was completed when we were in government, in particular the establishment of an independent and confidential complaints mechanism and 24-hour support services for current and former parliamentarians and staff.

Noting, however, that there are several recommendations in progress, I welcome the extension of the Parliamentary Leadership Taskforce's term until 1 October this year. The coalition believes that recommendation 22, the establishment of an independent parliamentary standards commission, must be given priority, given its responsibility for enforcing the behaviour standards and codes.

But, today, on the tabling of this annual report, and on behalf of the coalition, I thank all of those who have contributed to the insights, work and initiatives which have come from the Jenkins review and the Parliamentary Leadership Taskforce. This has been critically important work over several years and there is more to do, but I'm confident that we will see the positive effects of this work in the decades ahead. We must ensure that we don't just set the standard but continue in our personal and collective efforts to maintain and elevate the standard.

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