Sue Lines (President) Share this | Hansard source

I table the 2023 annual report of the implementation of the recommendations from the Set the standard report. Today on the second anniversary of the adoption of the Set the standard report, I acknowledge that an unacceptably high rate of people, particularly women, in Commonwealth parliamentary workplaces have experienced bullying, sexual harassment or actual or attempted sexual assault whilst at work. This misconduct is unacceptable, and I acknowledge the grave impact it had, or continues to have, on previous and current staff. For two years, the Parliamentary Leadership Taskforce has led the implementation of the Set the standard report reforms. The parliament thanks the taskforce for their continuous work and leadership.

Today, we recommit the parliament to positive change and acknowledge achievements to date, including establishing the Parliamentary Workplace Support Service as a statutory body, offering independent and confidential support to everyone in Commonwealth parliamentary workplaces; reforms to modernise the members of parliament act to ensure employees are protected from discrimination as well as refreshed professional development and improved management practices; undertaking reviews to further enhance inclusivity and dignity of access of Commonwealth parliamentary workplaces; endorsing clear and consistent codes of conduct, with consultations on the proposed independent Parliamentary Standards Commission expected to commence shortly; supporting the health and wellbeing of staff and parliamentarians with enhanced wellbeing services; improving work health and safety with a new framework to manage shared risks; and additional professional development opportunities to support leaders at all levels, particularly induction programs and training on safe and respectful workplaces.

While significant progress has been made, the journey towards truly respectful and inclusive Commonwealth parliamentary workplaces is ongoing. Cultural change will come only with the goodwill of all of us parliamentarians. We must remain committed to building a workplace reflecting the nation's values and expectations, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of everyone who works in and supports the Parliament of Australia.