Mark Latham staff did not participate in bullying and sexual misconduct probe

One MP’s office did not participate in the highly-anticipated review into bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct in the Macquarie St bear pit due to drop it’s findings on Friday.

EXCLUSIVE: Mark Latham’s staff did not take part in a parliament-wide review into sexual harassment, bullying and misconduct, which he said was “a waste of money” and because getting offended “is a choice”.

The review led by Elizabeth Broderick is expected to hand down bombshell findings on Friday and Mr Latham said staff needed to know better than to “sook”, “dob” or write complaints.

The findings are expected to be disturbing and come shortly after Premier Dominic Perrottet dumped Fair Trading Minister Eleni Petinos after allegations and a complaint of bullying.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal Mr Latham responded to the committee’s request for interviews and told them his office will not be participating after a conversation with his staff.

“I had a talk with my staff about it and no one had any problems … I told the committee that sent the memo that we wouldn‘t be participating. That was a decision of the office and we don’t feel any recommendations will be relevant to the work we do,” he said.

Mark Latham said the review was “a waste of money”. Picture: The Australian

“Our office didn‘t participate … We haven’t had any big turnover of staff, we don’t find this to be toxic workplace.”

The One Nation MP, who has previously worked as a staffer for Gough Whitlam, said political staff should not be offended by occasional outbursts.

Macquarie St is on edge as Ms Broderick prepares to drop her findings. Picture: Nick Cubbin

“I worked with (Gough) Whitlam who was volcanic in his eruptions. His body would tremble with rage, but then he’d come up to you and say ‘How are you going?’ and give you a hug. A mature worker would realise that’s how he lets off steam,” he said.

“How would the political greats of the past cope in this environment … You just have to understand this is a man working hard for the public good and sometimes the pressure stumbles over and as a staffer you need to realise that. Don‘t go sook about it, don’t go racing off to dob someone in, writing letters.

“Offence is a choice … I chose to never be offended and I would recommend that to staffers today.”

Mr Latham said he expected the review to find Macquarie St was a “toxic workplace” but felt it was because the review was looking to “find problems to fix”.

“I’m sure the findings will be that it’s a toxic workplace … but I don’t see it myself.”