Duluk-inspired probe could include Federal expertise
SA’s Equal Opportunity Commisioner is about to investigate the workplace culture at Parliament House. And it looks like she will have some Federal help.
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An inquiry looking into bad behaviour in the halls of South Australia’s Parliament House could be bolstered by a Federal Commissioner.
SA Equal Opportunity Commissioner Niki Vincent has put a proposal to the parliament on how she can go about a review into the workplace culture in SA parliament, following the Sam Duluk affair.
Dr Vincent told The Advertiser, if approved, the review will include expert input from the Federal Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Kate Jenkins.
In March Ms Jenkins released a landmark national inquiry into sexual harassment in Australian workplaces.
The report that was prompted by the #metoo movement made 55 recommendations to stop violence against women.
Dr Vincent said Ms Jenkins has agreed to be an expert advisor to the review if it is accepted by parliament.
A decision on the review is expected this week.
“I have a strong working relationship with Kate - and all the other state, territory and federal EO and human rights commissioners - as I chair the Australian Council of Human Rights Authorities,” Dr Vincent said.
“Obviously our review would have relevance to all other jurisdictions.
“The timeline for our review may need to be varied given the changing circumstances with COVID-19 - but we’ll deal with that, if necessary, in our initial discussions if the proposal is accepted”.
In March Dr Vincent told The Advertiser her “cultural review” of state parliament would look beyond the accusations that Mr Duluk slapped SA Best MP Connie Bonaros on the bottom during a parliament Christmas Party.
“I have had many people to talk me about the need for culture change in parliament,” Dr Vincent said.
“There has been a lot of controversy around this issue and I think we could provide recommendations and provide guidance.
“Clearly this request has been triggered by the accusation, however, it is not the first time we have allegations of this sort.
“My intention is to put forward a proposal for more of a cultural review that is the same sort of thing I did for South Australia Police and the Metropolitan Fire Service.”