The Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU), which represents workers in Commonwealth Parliamentary workplaces and Members of Parliament staff, has called on Parliament to pass the legislation establishing the Independent Parliamentary Standards Commission (IPSC).
The creation of the IPSC is one of the key recommendations of the Set the Standard report by former Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Kate Jenkins.
The IPSC Bill will put in place an independent investigations and sanctions body to enforce consequences for bad behaviour from parliamentarians and staff.
Quotes attributable to Melissa Donnelly, CPSU National Secretary:
"The CPSU is calling on the Federal Parliament to throw their full support behind the IPSC Bill.
"The establishment of the IPSC is essential to achieving safer parliamentary workplaces free from bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and assault, and discrimination.
"CPSU members have made significant contributions throughout this process - in speaking out on serious issues, and in shaping proactive measures to address them.
"The Set the Standard Report laid bare horrific instances of bullying, sexual harassment, sexual assault, and discrimination; it set out clear and practical measures to address unacceptable gaps in protections for staff in Commonwealth Parliamentary workplaces.
"The IPSC is the last big piece needed in the implementation of recommendations to make Commonwealth parliamentary workplaces safer, more respectful and professional.
"There needs to be real accountability for both parliamentarians and staff for bad behaviour.
"Workers in parliamentary workplaces have waited long enough for the IPSC to be established and there should be no more delays. Pass the Bill, let's get this done."
