Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance) Share this | Hansard source

Indeed, the government respects very much the statements made by Ms Higgins. Can I say that I appreciate the engagement of quite a number of staff representatives and former staff in relation to the establishment of the independent review that the Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Ms Kate Jenkins, is undertaking on behalf of parliament in relation to parliamentary workplaces. The input made, both publicly and privately, by some of those former staff as well as current staff into the terms of reference and the nature and the conduct of that review is greatly valued. I now hope that the manner in which that review has been stood up can provide confidence to individuals to participate fully in the review process and to share their experiences, as the terms of reference invites them to do, to work with Ms Jenkins as she independently assesses recommendations that can be brought forward to the government and this parliament in terms of action to be taken.

We have also, as an interim measure, put in place a new hotline to handle critical incidents and provided details to parliamentary staff, both current and former, in terms of their ability to use that service and to reach out to that service, which has staff who are equipped to handle trauma-counselling type matters. They have been trained and advised in relation to the referral services that are available such that they can assist in referral, be they for criminal matters through appropriate pathways with appropriate support, or be they for harassment, workplace bullying or other matters, which can be referred, again, appropriately through for investigation and assessment with appropriate support.