In a new law introduced today by the Albanese Government, federal MPs could be punished for not meeting behaviour standards by being fined, kicked off parliamentary committees or suspended from parliament.
The Government is establishing an Independent Parliamentary Standards Commission (IPSC), which is an workplace investigation and sanctions framework that will enforce behaviour codes for politicians and members of staff who engage in bad behaviour.
When a complaint is made by an MP, one commissioner will determine the case initially, followed by a review by a panel of three. If the complaint doesn’t meet the threshold, it may be referred to the Parliamentary Workplace Support Service (PWSS) for mediation. If an investigation proceeds, both parties will have the right to respond. The process will remain confidential, with information released needing to pass the public interest test.
If a sanction is recommended by the commissioners against an elected representative, it will likely be made public, but further details of the investigation will be disclosed at the commissioners’ discretion.
For allegations of assault or sexual assault, the IPSC would only proceed with an investigation if the complainant provides consent.
The establishment of the IPSC was a key recommendation of Set the Standard, the Australian Human Rights Commission’s report into Commonwealth parliamentary workplaces. The report was published in 2021 following Brittany Higgins’ allegation that she was raped in Parliament House. The report set out a clear path to ensure that Commonwealth parliamentary workplaces are safe and respectful, uphold the standing of the Parliament and are a worthy reflection of the community that they serve.
The Minister for Women, Senator Katy Gallagher, said improving the culture at Parliament House is a cross-party effort.
“Since coming to Government and in conjunction with the Parliamentary Leadership Taskforce we’ve been working hard to put the systems in place so that people can raise workplace complaints, and when complaints are substantiated, that both staff and parliamentarians are held to account for their behaviour,” she said.
“I thank members of the Parliamentary Leadership Taskforce and staff consultative group for their feedback and collaboration in good faith as we have prepared this legislation for introduction. I look forward to working across the Parliament to pass this legislation as soon as possible.”
The Federal Government has allocated $3.8 million in initial funding to establish the IPSC starting on October 1, 2024, contingent on the approval of legislation.
Australian House of Representatives – Parliament of Australia by JJ Harrison is available HERE and is used under a Creative Commons Licence. This image has not been modified.
