Tasmania Labor has called for the current review of the workplace culture at Tasmania's Parliament House to be extended to take in the state's entire public service.
Shadow Minister for Workplace Relations, Sarah Lovell, said the latest survey of public sector workers shows concerning levels of distrust in the system set up to deal with complaints of sexual harassment and bullying.
"Last year's Whole of Service Survey found less than half of all participants felt confident that they would be protected from reprisals for reporting improper conduct," Ms Lovell said.
"This result is nearly unchanged from previous survey results.
"Of the staff who had experienced workplace bullying but not officially reported it, 58 per cent said they did not do so because they didn't think any action would be taken - up from 53 per cent in the previous survey.
"When I raised this issue in Budget Estimates this morning, the Premier agreed that these figures are concerning, saying he would consider a public sector review once Sarah Bolt's Review into Ministerial and Parliamentary Practices and Procedures has been completed.
"But, by failing to act now, the Premier has left public sector workers without access to an effective system that creates the best environment for all workers.
"The disrespectful treatment of a State Service worker who lodged a complaint about allegations of sexual harassment is a prime example of why people are reluctant to speak up.
"Despite raising these issues 18 months ago, and despite repeatedly asking for an update on the outcome of the investigation, she only found out when the outcome was publicly announced at Estimates yesterday.
"It is vitally important that people feel safe at work, and now is the right time to do what we can to make the improvements to give them a workable and effective complaints system.
"The Premier needs to act now to review the workplace culture of our public sector workers and provide them with best practice measures so they can all feel safe at work."
Sarah Lovell MLC
Shadow Minister for Workplace Relations
