Mandatory respectful workplace training this year for federal ministers
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Federal ministers will be required to receive training on recognising and responding to sexual harassment and bullying before the end of the year and other politicians will be encouraged to take part, with their attendance recorded in a public register.
Parliament will also set up an independent body within six weeks to deal with allegations of assault, sexual assault, sexual harassment and serious and systemic bullying after the government adopted all recommendations from a review by one of Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s top public servants.
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Finance Minister Simon Birmingham said its findings would be vital to ensuring a safe and respectful workplace. This review will play a critical role in ensuring that the parliament of Australia applies the cultural and practical changes necessary to set a positive example for the nation, he said in a statement.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins.
AAP
On Monday, Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews also challenged politicians to undertake sexual harassment training.
At the time of Ms Higgins’ allegation, Ms Andrews said she d had a gutful of the workplace culture in parliament.
Recently released tender documents show the Morrison government is seeking an organisation to deliver an anti-sexual harassment program to promote a “safe and respectful workplace”.
CONTENT WARNING: This article discusses sexual assault.
Parliament House is set to hold a face-to-face training sessions in the coming months about how to deal with sexual assault, bullying and harassment, the ABC reports. The bad news is that the one-hour sessions will be optional for MPs and Senators.
The training comes after former Liberal staffer
Brittany Higgins alleged she was raped inside Parliament House by a then-colleague, as well as a spate of other sexual assault and harassment allegations to rock Australian politics.
The ABC has obtained tender documents for the upcoming training program – which is due to take place sometime after September – which would teach office mangers, chiefs of staff and Parliamentarians about what “behaviours do or do not constitute assault, sexual assault, sexual harassment and serious and systemic bullying and harassment.”