The Parliamentary Leadership Taskforce held its first meeting of 2023 on 7 March 2023. The Taskforce welcomed the new independent Chair, Dr Vivienne Thom, who commenced in the role in February 2023.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 14 March 2023

The Parliamentary Leadership Taskforce held its first meeting of 2023 on 7 March 2023. The Taskforce welcomed the new independent Chair, Dr Vivienne Thom, who commenced in the role in February 2023. Members discussed the progress towards establishing the new Parliamentary Workplace Support Service, noting legislation will be considered later in the year. Members discussed the imminent establishment of a new staff consultation group and agreed it will be consultative in nature and include MoP(S) Act, parliamentary department and Press Gallery representatives. Terms of reference and the final makeup of the staff consultation group will be agreed by the Taskforce ahead of its next meeting. The Taskforce agreed on principles that should underpin any alcohol policy within a Commonwealth parliamentary workplace and discussed a draft baseline alcohol policy for parliamentarians and their staff. Members will continue to refine the draft policy ahead of consulting with parliamentarians and their staff. Members noted the outcomes of work by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet to help guide the new Parliamentary Workplace Support Service to develop a monitoring and evaluation framework and support data collection and reporting across Commonwealth parliamentary workplaces. The outcomes of this work will be discussed with the new staff consultation group once established. The next meeting will be held in early April 2023. A progress report on recommendations can be found in a refreshed Implementation Tracker – 7 March 2023.

The Parliamentary Leadership Taskforce presents the first annual report on the implementation of recommendations from the Sex Discrimination Commissioner’s Set the Standard: Report on the Independent Review into Commonwealth Parliamentary Workplaces.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 8 February 2023

The Parliamentary Leadership Taskforce presents the first annual report on the implementation of recommendations from the Sex Discrimination Commissioner’s Set the Standard: Report on the Independent Review into Commonwealth Parliamentary Workplaces.  The Set the Standard report highlighted an unacceptably high rate of people, particularly women, in Commonwealth parliamentary workplaces have experienced bullying, sexual harassment, or actual or attempted sexual assault. The report’s 28 recommendations are designed to support everyone in Commonwealth parliamentary workplaces to perform at their best and bring these workplaces into line with the standards expected of all Australian workplaces. The Parliamentary Leadership Taskforce is overseeing the implementation of the recommendations and is committed to bringing about meaningful change to ensure that Commonwealth parliamentary workplaces are models of safety and respect. This annual report complements our regular published progress updates. Despite a hiatus during the 2022 Federal Election period, there has been significant progress made throughout 2022 with many reforms implemented in full or in part, while work to implement other reforms is well advanced.  We thank those who have contributed to these important reforms and look forward to continuing to oversee the implementation throughout 2023.  The Taskforce’s first annual report can be found here. Further detail on the progress of the recommendations can be found in a refreshed Implementation Tracker – 8 February 2023

The Parliamentary Leadership Taskforce Chair has released the third update on the implementation of recommendations from the Set the Standard report.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 13 December 2022

The Parliamentary Leadership Taskforce Chair has released the third update on the implementation of recommendations from the Set the Standard report. Chair newsletter: December 2022

The independent chair of the Parliamentary Leadership Taskforce held a series of staff information sessions in November & December for Parliamentary departmental staff, building occupants, and MOP(S) Act Employees.

Media release issue date: Friday, 9 December 2022

The Parliamentary Leadership Taskforce overseeing the implementation of Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins’ Set the Standard: Report on the Independent Review into Commonwealth Parliamentary Workplaces (the Jenkins Report), held its eighth meeting on Tuesday, 29 November.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 30 November 2022

The Parliamentary Leadership Taskforce held its eighth meeting on 29 November 2022.  The Taskforce was joined by the Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Kate Jenkins, to discuss the progress made throughout 2022 and the 12 months since the tabling of the Set the Standard report. Ms Jenkins noted the positive impact of the reforms on Commonwealth parliamentary workplaces. Taskforce members thanked Ms Jenkins for the historic work to set the reform roadmap.  Back row (Left to right): Senator Larissa Waters, Ms Zali Steggall OAM MP, Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher, Hon Sussan Ley MP, Senator Perin Davey, Ms Sharon Claydon MP Front row (Left to right): Senator the Hon Don Farrell, Ms Kate Jenkins, Ms Kerri Hartland, Senator the Hon Jane Hume   Following the Taskforce’s 15 November 2022 meeting, members agreed to supplement the existing Employee Consultative Group, including parliamentary department staff, interested in being consulted further on the implementation of the Set the Standard reforms. This new consultation group will first be engaged on the development of common alcohol policy principles and a model alcohol policy. It is expected that membership for the new consultation group will be sought in early 2023.  Members also welcomed the release of the Joint Select Committee on Parliamentary Standards’ report with recommendations to establish Behaviour Standards for Commonwealth parliamentary workplaces, a Behaviour Code for Parliamentarians, and a Behaviour Code for Parliamentarians’ Staff.  A progress report on recommendations can be found in a refreshed Implementation Tracker – 29 November 2022      

The Parliamentary Leadership Taskforce overseeing the implementation of Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins’ Set the Standard: Report on the Independent Review into Commonwealth Parliamentary Workplaces (the Jenkins Report), held its seventh meeting on Tuesday, 15 November.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 23 November 2022

The Parliamentary Leadership Taskforce held its seventh meeting on 15 November 2022. The Taskforce further discussed the establishment of the Office of Parliamentarian Staffing and Culture and shared views aligned with the outcomes of the staff consultation process which was presented at the Taskforce’s 19 October 2022 meeting.  Members noted the Taskforce Chair will hold a series of information sessions for all people in Commonwealth parliamentary workplaces on 25 November and 6 December. The information sessions will give a progress update of the Set the Standard reforms and attendees can ask questions and provide feedback on the implementation. Details will be advertised shortly.  Taskforce members agreed to further discuss how to ensure a broad representation of those in Commonwealth parliamentary workplaces can be consulted on the detail of the implementation of the Set the Standard reforms.  Members noted the development of draft common alcohol policy principles to inform new alcohol policies or updates to existing policies in Commonwealth parliamentary workplaces. Members agreed it is important to have consistent alcohol policies and will further consider the development of model policies prior to consultation.  The Taskforce received an update on the work of the Joint Select Committee on Parliamentary Standards which is drafting codes of conduct for Commonwealth parliamentary workplaces, parliamentarians and MoP(S) Act employees and expected to report by 1 December 2022.  The next meeting will be held on 29 November 2022. 

The Parliamentary Leadership Taskforce overseeing the implementation of Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins’ Set the Standard: Report on the Independent Review into Commonwealth Parliamentary Workplaces (the Jenkins Report), held its sixth meeting on Wednesday, 19 October.

Media release issue date: Monday, 24 October 2022

The Parliamentary Leadership Taskforce held its sixth meeting on 19 October 2022. The Taskforce discussed its upcoming annual report on progress on the implementation of the recommendations from the Set the Standard report. The Taskforce will work towards reporting baseline information on the diversity characteristics of Commonwealth parliamentary workplace participants. The Taskforce’s annual report is expected to be tabled in early 2023.   Taskforce members discussed the feedback from recent staff consultations on the establishment of the Office of Parliamentarian Staffing and Culture (OPSC). Some feedback noted that any new human resources support function to parliamentarians and MOP(S) Act employees must be independent, of high quality, have strong leadership and include clear accountability mechanisms which involve staff.  Members also noted the positive feedback received through the consultation on the operation of the Parliamentary Workplace Support Service. The Taskforce will further consider the implications of the feedback on the OPSC’s operational design. The Taskforce noted the feedback received on the refreshed induction program for new parliamentarians and their staff following the 2022 Federal Election.  The feedback received on the induction program will be provided to the OPSC when established and will inform further development of induction programs in future years. Members also discussed participation in the Safe and Respectful Workplaces Training Program, noting that future enhancements to the program are likely. Taskforce members welcomed the 7 October 2022 release of the MoP(S) Act review. The Government’s implementation of the review’s recommended reforms will be progressed alongside the implementation of other Set the Standard recommendations.  A progress report on recommendations can be found in a refreshed Implementation Tracker – 19 October 2022.   The next meeting will be held in November 2022.

The Parliamentary Leadership Taskforce has written to all Parliamentarians and MOP(S) Act employees.

Media release issue date: Friday, 30 September 2022

Parliamentary Leadership Taskforce letter Dear Parliamentarians and MoP(S) Act employees, As members of the taskforce overseeing implementation of the reforms arising from the Sex Discrimination Commissioner’s Set the Standard: Report on the Independent Review into Commonwealth Parliamentary Workplaces (‘Set the Standard Report’), we are committed to bringing about meaningful change to ensure that Commonwealth parliamentary workplaces are models of safety and respect. All of us, the many parliamentarians and staff around Australia, have responsibility for creating safe and respectful workplaces. The Commissioner rightly stated that Commonwealth parliamentary workplaces should be workplaces where we model and champion expected standards of behaviour, and these are enforced. Our workplaces should be where respectful behaviour is rewarded, and where everyone feels safe and welcome to contribute. We’d like to bring to your attention some practical ways that we can work together to encourage the highest standards of workplace behaviour. We all have obligations to understand and comply with all applicable Australian laws, including the Fair Work Act 2009 and the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (WHS Act). The leaders among us also play a critical role in creating physically and mentally healthy workplaces. How leaders interact with staff, set behaviour expectations and address issues as they arise will directly impact on the workplace culture. Training is available on MoP(S) Learning for you to expand knowledge, build skills, and understand your requirements, particularly if you are new to a Commonwealth parliamentary workplace. The training includes: • a refreshed induction program for new parliamentarians focused on employment policies and laws, including the Fair Work Act 2009, WHS obligations, diversity and inclusion, office structure and staffing. Existing parliamentarians will be able to opt into a refresher style program. The Induction Guide is available on the Ministerial and Parliamentary Services (MaPS) website. • a new induction program for MoP(S) Act employees focussed on understanding workplace behaviours and responsibilities, employment arrangements, the WHS Act, and available workplace support options. Please encourage new employees to attend. • the Safe and Respectful Workplace training is continuing for new parliamentarians and their staff, with a refresher being developed for everyone. • due diligence training for parliamentarians can help you better understand your role and obligations to comply with work health and safety laws under the WHS Act. You are required to comply with measures that promote health and safety in the workplace and ensure you eliminate and reduce risks, which includes psychological safety. MaPS can arrange a suitable time for you to complete the training with the regulator, Comcare. MaPS also provides you with HR and WHS advice and services and can be contacted on (02) 6215 3333 (option 2) or MOPSsupport@finance.gov.au. Further information can be found at https://maps.finance.gov.au. While we strive to set the highest standard of workplace behaviour, it is equally important to support those who experience conflict or misconduct in our workplaces. The Parliamentary Workplace Support Service (PWSS) provides an independent and confidential service to support you in relation to misconduct and workplace conflict in parliamentary workplaces. The PWSS helps resolve workplace conflict and provides support to manage workplace disagreements, structure conversations, provide resolution and mediation, or early intervention. The PWSS can also independently investigate complaints about workplace misconduct involving parliamentarians and MOP(S) Act employees. The PWSS can be contacted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 1800 PH PWSS (1800 747 977), SMS to 0487 112 755, or support@PWSS.gov.au. The PWSS is located in M2.105 at Parliament House and is staffed from 08:30am-5pm and from 08:30am-8pm on sitting days. Further information about the service can be found at https://pwss.gov.au/. Positive change will continue in our workplaces as we continue to implement the recommendations of the Set the Standard report. The Joint Select Committee on Parliamentary Standards is developing Codes of Conduct for Parliamentarians and MOP(S) Act employees, and Standards of Conduct for the Parliamentary Precincts. The Committee is continuing to welcome submissions to the inquiry and is due to report by 1 December 2022. You can follow progress with implementation of the reforms on the Taskforce website, which also reports on the outcomes of Taskforce meetings. We encourage you to email the Taskforce at PLT@aph.gov.au to request future updates from the Taskforce. We seek to work alongside you in ensuring that our workplace is safe and respectful, that we support people who experience misconduct and that we collectively set the highest standard of workplace behaviour. Regards,  Ms Sharon Claydon MP Senator Perin Davey Senator the Hon Don Farrell Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher Senator the Hon Jane Hume Hon Sussan Ley MP Ms Zali Steggall OAM, MP Senator Larissa Waters Ms Kerri Hartland, Chair Parliamentary Leadership Taskforce PLT@aph.gov.au Read more about the Parliamentary Leadership Taskforce A signed copy of the letter sent out to Parliamentarians and MOP(S) Act staff can be found here.

The Parliamentary Leadership Taskforce overseeing the implementation of Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins’ Set the Standard: Report on the Independent Review into Commonwealth Parliamentary Workplaces (the Jenkins Report), held its fifth meeting on Monday, 12 September.

Media release issue date: Monday, 19 September 2022

The Parliamentary Leadership Taskforce held its fifth meeting on 12 September 2022. The Taskforce discussed a proposal for consultation with MoP(S) Act employees on the design of the Office of Parliamentarian Staffing and Culture (OPSC). Once established, the OPSC will provide a centralised people and culture function for parliamentarians and MoP(S) Act employees. The Taskforce agreed that consultation with staff is essential to ensure that the proposed OPSC will effectively serve their needs and encourage consideration of the best possible approach to support staff. The Taskforce noted that consultation sessions will be held with current MoP(S) Act employees over September 2022. OPSC consultation sessions are expected to be hour long, small group sessions and held on a party basis for parliamentary and electorate office staff, in addition to a session with the Work Health and Safety Committee and Employee Consultative Group once reconstituted. Further information will be provided to participants ahead of each session.    Consultation on the OPSC will be conducted by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Interested parties can also contact jenkins.response@pmc.gov.au for further information.  The Taskforce noted the progress of the Joint Select Committee on Parliamentary Standards, in preparing to draft codes of conduct for Parliamentarians and their staff. The Committee is still welcoming submissions to the inquiry and now is due to report by 1 December 2022. The Taskforce will soon write to fellow parliamentarians and their staff outlining opportunities for maintaining safe and healthy workplaces. The letter will broadly outline workplace health and safety responsibilities, available training, how the Parliamentary Workplace Support Service can help resolve workplace conflict, and the work of the Joint Select Committee on Parliamentary Standards. A progress report on recommendations can be found in a refreshed Implementation Tracker – 12 September 2022.   The next meeting is expected to be held in October 2022. 

The Parliamentary Leadership Taskforce overseeing the implementation of Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins’ Set the Standard: Report on the Independent Review into Commonwealth Parliamentary Workplaces (the Jenkins Report), held its fourth meeting on Monday, 15 August.

Media release issue date: Friday, 19 August 2022

The Parliamentary Leadership Taskforce reconvened on 15 August 2022 and recommitted to the implementation of all recommendations from the Set the Standard report.  The membership of the Taskforce now includes: Ms Sharon Claydon MP Senator Perin Davey Senator the Hon Don Farrell  Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher Senator the Hon Jane Hume Hon Sussan Ley MP Ms Zali Steggall OAM, MP  Senator Larissa Waters The meeting discussed the significant progress to date of the implementation of the recommendations from the Set the Standard report, acknowledging some necessary delays due to the election period. The members agreed to release a refreshed Implementation Tracker providing detail of progress against each recommendation, along with information on future implementation activities. The Taskforce discussed the importance of strong leadership to help ensure safe and respectful workplaces, canvassing options for an annual discussion in Parliament to discuss progress and agreed that this should coincide with the tabling of the first annual Taskforce report. Members also supported the establishment of appropriate systems to support performance. Members acknowledged the significant changes to induction processes for new parliamentarians and their staff, along with the ongoing provision of safe and respectful workplace training that is available to all parliamentarians and their staff. A report on the roll-out of the induction program is expected to be considered at the October meeting of the Taskforce. The value of diverse workplaces and representation was discussed, noting the increased diversity in the 47th Parliament. Taskforce members noted the re-establishment of the Joint Select Committee on Parliamentary Standards which is preparing to draft codes of conduct for Parliamentarians and their staff. The Taskforce noted that the Committee has made a public call for submissions. The Taskforce reiterated the need to ensure people in Commonwealth parliamentary workplaces are physically and psychologically well and feel safe. The Taskforce acknowledged the expansion of the Parliamentary Workplace Support Service on 12 April 2022 and noted other measures, such as changes to the sitting calendar and amendments to sitting times agreed in the House of Representatives. Members reaffirmed the importance of engaging with stakeholders throughout implementation and discussed options for doing so in relation to key priorities for the next six months. A progress report on recommendations can be found in a refreshed Implementation Tracker – 15 August 2022. The next meeting will be held in September 2022.

The Parliamentary Leadership Taskforce Chair has released the second update on the implementation of recommendations from the Set the Standard report.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 30 June 2022

The Parliamentary Leadership Taskforce Chair has released the second update on the implementation of recommendations from the Set the Standard report. Chair newsletter – June 2022 (PDF, 132 KB)

The Parliamentary Leadership Taskforce Chair has released the first update on the implementation of recommendations from the Set the Standard report.

Media release issue date: Friday, 29 April 2022

The Parliamentary Leadership Taskforce Chair has released the first update on the implementation of recommendations from the Set the Standard report. Chair Newsletter – April 2022 (PDF, 182 KB)

The Parliamentary Leadership Taskforce overseeing the implementation of Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins’ Set the Standard: Report on the Independent Review into Commonwealth Parliamentary Workplaces (the Jenkins Report), held its third meeting on Thursday, 24 March.

Media release issue date: Monday, 28 March 2022

The Parliamentary Leadership Taskforce overseeing the implementation of Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins’ Set the Standard: Report on the Independent Review into Commonwealth Parliamentary Workplaces (the Jenkins Report), held its third meeting on Thursday, 24 March. The meeting noted the progress of work on a new induction package for incoming Parliamentarians and their staff, which will be ready to implement post-election. The Taskforce acknowledged the importance of establishing induction processes as part of the broader learning and development context. The Taskforce supported a phased implementation of a four-stage induction process. There will be consultation on the induction program with the WHS Committee and Employee Consultation Group for Members of Parliament Staff as well as continued consultation with the Taskforce members. The Taskforce noted the work completed to date on identifying the appropriate scope of the proposed Office of Parliamentary Staffing and Culture, (OPSC). The Jenkins report recommended the establishment of the OPSC to support parliamentarians and their staff by providing human resources support with a focus on policy development, training, advice and support and education. The Taskforce agreed that work on the OPSC should progress as a priority. Continuing the focus on appropriately engaging with stakeholders, the Taskforce noted the development of a draft Stakeholder Engagement and Communication Strategy. The Strategy will inform stakeholder engagement activities throughout the implementation of recommendations and will evolve over time. The progress report on recommendations can be found at Implementation Tracker – 24 March 2022

The Parliamentary Leadership Taskforce overseeing the implementation of Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins’ Set the Standard: Report on the Independent Review into Commonwealth Parliamentary Workplaces (the Jenkins Report), held its second meeting on Monday, 28 February.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 1 March 2022

The Parliamentary Leadership Taskforce overseeing the implementation of Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins’ Set the Standard: Report on the Independent Review into Commonwealth Parliamentary Workplaces (the Jenkins Report), held its second meeting on Monday, 28 February. The meeting focused on the importance of ensuring voices of participants to the Jenkins Review and all of those in Commonwealth Parliamentary Workplaces have the opportunity to be heard and engaged through the implementation of the recommendations. This included working with individuals who wanted to provide input to the Joint Select Committee (JSC) on Parliamentary Standards. It was agreed that the Chair would discuss with the JSC Chair appropriate ways to engage with participants and others who may not have publicly raised issues during the Jenkins Review. It was noted that Commissioner Jenkins is working closely with the Taskforce Chair to ensure continuity of communication on implementation while maintaining privacy for individuals.' The makeup of the Implementation Group and terms of reference was agreed noting the requirement of this Group to regularly work with stakeholders. The Chair is consulting with participants to the Review to establish a representative consultation group and will also engage regularly with established Parliamentary workplace groups. The Taskforce agreed to publicly provide progress against each of the 28 recommendations of the Jenkins Report after each meeting in addition to the communique. This progress report can be found at Implementation Tracker – 28 February 2022. The Taskforce agreed that progress on the Office of Parliamentary Staffing and Culture (OPSC) and, with an upcoming election, induction for new starters, were priorities for the Taskforce in the lead up to its next meeting. The next meeting will be held in late March.

The Leadership Taskforce overseeing the implementation of the recommendations of the Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins’ Set the Standard: Report on the Independent Review into Commonwealth Parliamentary Workplaces (the Jenkins Report), held its first meeting on Thursday, 3 February 2022.

Media release issue date: Friday, 4 February 2022

The Leadership Taskforce overseeing the implementation of the recommendations of the Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins’ Set the Standard: Report on the Independent Review into Commonwealth Parliamentary Workplaces (the Jenkins Report), held its first meeting on Thursday, 3 February 2022. Establishing the Leadership Taskforce was a key recommendation made in the Jenkins Report. Consistent with Recommendation 2 of the Jenkins Report, the Leadership Taskforce’s role will include: developing and communicating an implementation plan with specific timeframes defining and communicating common values which can drive cultural change across parliamentary workplaces preparing an annual public report of progress made in the implementation of recommendations tracking, on a quarterly basis, key measures of a safe and respectful work environment to monitor progress in implementation. The Taskforce discussed the delivery of a Joint Statement of Acknowledgement, which was the first recommendation of the Report, as well as the establishment of a Joint Select Committee on Parliamentary Standards to inquire into and report on matters relating to the development of codes of conduct for Commonwealth Parliamentary Workplaces. The Leadership Taskforce is independently chaired by Ms Kerri Hartland. Its members are Minister for Women Marise Payne, Minster for Finance and Leader of the Government in the Senate Simon Birmingham, Special Minister of State Ben Morton, Shadow Special Minister of State Don Farrell, Shadow Minister for Women Tanya Plibersek, Shadow Minister for Finance Katy Gallagher, Leader of the Australian Greens in the Senate Larissa Waters, and Ms Zali Steggall MP OAM, as a Crossbench member. The Leadership Taskforce will convene regular meetings to oversee implementation of the recommendations over the two years recommended by the Jenkins Report, and will provide a public statement after each meeting.