Marielle Smith (SA, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Twelve months ago, our parliament faced up to some deeply uncomfortable truths, truths which I'm sure shocked some people in this building but which, for far too many people—women, in particular, who work here or have worked here—caused old wounds to sting. These truths, told bravely by staff and former staff and by representatives, sparked change—sparked something significant. And I want to acknowledge their bravery in the work which has led us to this point.

This past year has seen a lot of change, and I want to acknowledge the work of our Minister for Women, as well as the former government and Senators Waters and Faruqi, who have all been working on changing this place or working to create the culture that we know we need to see. This progress is significant, with six recommendations implemented, four implemented in part and 17 in progress and ongoing. I also acknowledge the work of the PWSS, which has also been significant in the short time frame in which they've been operational.

The work on the codes of conduct is momentous. It represents a significant change in this place, and so will the infrastructure that supports them. But cultural change is hard. It is not static. There is no set-and-forget nature to the work ahead of us. Even once every recommendation is implemented, there is no set-and-forget nature for this. As custodians of the culture in this place, it is the responsibility of all of us to continue to work to improve it beyond the work of Set the standard and beyond these recommendations we'll implement.

On this anniversary, I want to particularly acknowledge all of our staff still working in the building and in electorate offices across the country, working to change our nation for the better, full of passion and hope, who we have so badly failed over many, many years. I first walked into this building as a very junior political staffer at the age of 18. I know, and I participated in this review as well. I want every single staffer who participated and who was part of creating this change to be proud of the contribution they have made to the work that we are acknowledging today and the work that is yet to be done. I want to assure every single person working as a staff member in this building that there are many people here, from all political parties, in this chamber and across the hall in the House of the Representatives, who want to reward your courage, your honesty and your bravery with work, action and a change to the culture of this place, which will make you proud.