Helen Haines (Indi, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Yesterday in the House we witnessed an unparliamentary and dangerous scene which fell below the standards of the code of conduct that we as a parliament have endorsed. What measures are you taking to ensure the safety of everyone who works in this building?

Milton Dick (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the honourable member for Indi for her question. The incident was indeed serious, and one which should never have occurred. I once again assure the House I'm committed to ensuring all staff who work in this building are safe at work. Today I requested the Department of the House of Representatives and the Department of Parliamentary Services to conduct an urgent risk assessment in relation to the work of parliamentary staff in the chamber, to ensure that all staff are guaranteed of their safety in the workplace.

In addition, today I'll be writing to all members, reminding them of their obligation to treat this chamber and parliamentary staff with respect. This is not only an expectation of me but what I believe is an expectation of all Australians.

This morning I also met with Michelle Wicks, the interim head of the Parliamentary Workplace Support Service, and Ms Kate Jenkins, the author of the Set the standard report and the outgoing Sex Discrimination Commissioner, to discuss the incident.

I take this opportunity to remind members and staff again that the PWWS is available at all hours to provide support to anyone affected by the incident, and, indeed, any other matters that arise where assistance may be needed.

I call the Leader of the Opposition.

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

Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. On this topic, I just want to confirm something with you, and my question to you is: will your deliberations or the deliberations of your departmental secretary extend to an incident which occurred last Thursday in this chamber at the doors at the back, and will that come within scope of what you report back to the parliament?

Milton Dick (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It will.

Zali Steggall (Warringah, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, this is also a question to you. With respect to the previous question about the dangerous and disgraceful scene during a division yesterday, as a member of the Parliamentary Leadership Taskforce, I ask whether the Speaker would like this issue to be referred to the task force for consideration, in particular with respect to the implementation of the code of conduct for members of parliament.

Milton Dick (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the honourable member for Warringah for her question. I will be referring any relevant information regarding the incident in question to the Parliamentary Leadership Taskforce, as is appropriate.