Jeremy Rockliff, Premier
Rebecca White, Labor Leader
Cassy O'Connor, Greens Leader
Meg Webb, Independent Member for Nelson
Elise Archer, Attorney-General
Mark Shelton, Speaker of the House of Assembly
Kristie Johnston, Independent Member for Clark
Craig Farrell, President of the Legislative Council
Everyone deserves a safe and inclusive workplace where they are respected, valued and supported.
Today we welcome the release of Motion for Respect – Report into Workplace Culture in the Tasmanian Ministerial and Parliamentary Services by the Anti-Discrimination Commissioner, Sarah Bolt, which is published, in full, on the Anti-Discrimination Commissioner's website: www.equalopportunity.tas.gov.au.
The Review examined workplace culture in the Tasmanian Ministerial and Parliamentary Services (MPS) as it relates to workplace discrimination, sexual harassment and bullying. This included Ministerial and electorate offices, Opposition offices, the Parliament (members and staff) and people performing contracted services for the Parliament.
We acknowledge the effort that has gone into this Report and thank those who participated by giving frank and honest responses about their experiences, both current and historical.
The Report states that the survey had a very high participation compared to similar surveys in other Australian jurisdictions, indicating a strong desire for change.
While the Report focuses on identifying gaps, it also notes evidence of an extremely dedicated workforce made up of talented individuals who are committed to their work and contributing to the Tasmanian Community.
Unacceptable behaviour by a small number of people should not detract from this.
However, it must be also be acknowledged the report does detail some very serious concerns and challenges, and some of the commentary is confronting.
It is clear Ministerial and Parliamentary Services need to focus on improving processes and policy, as well as training and reporting mechanisms.
One constant theme was a lack of awareness around complaint processes, as a result all staff have now been made aware of the formal complaints process established in their workplace, and how to receive support.
We are all committed to lead by example and ensure the Tasmanian Ministerial and Parliamentary Services set the highest standard in workplace culture and accountability.
In order for the MPS to thrive as a safe and respectful workplace, it is essential that we heed the recommendations in this Report and work together to improve processes, structures and support services.
MPS is a complex environment that consists of very distinct workforces (parliamentary, political and government) across multiple sites.
All should be inclusive, where people are treated with respect.
A Joint Standing Committee will be established which will have a key role to play in working through the recommendations to establish a framework for implementation, in relation to the Parliamentary workplace. Advice is being sought in relation to establishing a similar mechanism to look at how to successfully implement recommendations in Ministerial, Opposition and electorate offices.
It is important that we act without delay. Some recommendations could be implemented more quickly than the given timeframes such as workplace training, which we would like to see commence later this year starting with members of Parliament and Managers.
Today, leaders of all political persuasions and independents stand together to show our dedication to ensuring our workplaces are exemplary as it is a collective responsibility, and we all believe that we can and must do better.
