Sexual harassment within Parliament House to be investigated by Acting Equal Opportunity Commissioner

Seedy secrets lurking in SA’s corridors or power could soon be laid bare in an inquiry that’s just been given an immediate green light.

The prevalence of sexual harassment within State Parliament is expected to be laid bare during an inquiry by the acting Equal Opportunity Commissioner.

The investigation was launched on Thursday after Attorney-General Vickie Chapman moved a motion, which was supported by both the Lower and Upper Houses, to give the inquiry the immediate go-ahead.

The “systematic review of the workplace culture and practice in Parliament House” will examine allegations of bad behaviour among MPs and staffers and how complaints are handled.

Attorney-General Vickie Chapman. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Acting Commissioner Emily Strickland will then provide recommendations to improve the handling of allegations and complaints, and better support staff.

Ms Chapman said her motion aimed to enhance protection against harassment.

“Everyone should feel safe and supported when going to work, and the Parliament is no different,” she said.

Opposition status of women spokeswoman Katrine Hildyard, who previously proposed a similar motion calling for an inquiry, supported the review.

“Sexual harassment is experienced by way too many women in workplaces and in many other areas of life right here in our state – Unfortunately our parliament is no exception,” she said.

“Our South Australian community has been somewhat perplexed about why particular sorts of inappropriate behaviours occur in parliament with little to no consequences for perpetrators whilst if other workers engaged in it they would be sacked.”

All MPs will have a chance to contribute to the review through voluntary surveys.

Ms Strickland will report her findings and recommendations in the new year.

It comes after the Equal Opportunity Act was amended in October to allow the Equal Opportunity Commissioner to investigate complaints of sexual harassment between MPs.

Loopholes in the Act came to light earlier this year after former Liberal MP, now Independent MP, Sam Duluk was accused of slapping SA Best MLC Connie Bonaros on the bottom at a Christmas function in Parliament House.

Police charged Mr Duluk with one count of assault.

He appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court in October and is yet to enter a plea.

Mr Duluk is due back in court next month.

Originally published as Sexual harassment within Parliament House to be investigated by Acting Equal Opportunity Commissioner