Mr Tony Burke (Watson, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, while the House itself will be, understandably, a robust place, we all have a special obligation to make sure that the people who are employees of Parliament House have a safe workplace. Following the incidents that happened during question time today, it's been reported that some of the parliamentary staff have been subjected to verbal abuse by people who were in the public gallery. I'd simply ask you—and I'm sure it's the wish of members in making sure that this is a safe workplace—to review available footage, including, if it is found that what has been reported is accurate, checking whether any of the people who have behaved that way had been personally signed into this building or to the Speaker's gallery.

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

I thank the leader. I want to make it clear, as a presiding officer, that I shall take action if there is any abuse towards security staff or, indeed, any staff in this building. I'll review the relevant information.

The member for McEwen will cease interjecting while I am talking! I shall review the information and indicate to the House if any action is required.