Broderick to conduct review of sexual harassment, bullying in NSW Parliament

Former sex discrimination commissioner Elizabeth Broderick will review NSW Parliament and its management of unacceptable behaviour such as bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct.

Ms Broderick, who has led 15 cultural reviews into workplaces such as the Australian Defence Force and the NSW Police, was engaged by the Parliament to give expert advice on workplace culture and practice.

Former sex discrimination commissioner Elizabeth Broderick will conduct the six-month review into NSW Parliament.Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

The six-month review will examine complaints handling and support systems for employees across the Parliament, from MPs to staffers, cleaners and security and hospitality workers.

“It is so important that our public institutions like the Parliament respond to workplace
issues quickly and effectively,” Ms Broderick said.

“Part of achieving this is to listen to people working in, and interacting with, the Parliament, so as to better understand their experiences, the current culture and what needs to change.”

Ms Broderick will hand down her findings from the review in February next year.

The probe will follow a review of NSW ministerial offices earlier this year by fellow former sex discrimination commissioner and former NSW minister Pru Goward.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian commissioned that review, completed in April, following former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins’ alleged sexual assault in Canberra.

The Goward review, described by the Premier as “brutal”, found political ambition, loyalty to ministers and the tenuous nature of employment left ministerial staff reluctant to report bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct.

“The political ambitions of some staff and their frequent involvement in party-political activities further complicate a staff member’s readiness to complain,” Ms Goward’s review found.

President of the Legislative Council Matthew Mason-Cox said the Broderick review was an opportunity to address current practices and cultural traits of the Parliament.

He described the NSW Parliament as a “complex” organisation but said it was a workplace like any other.

Earlier this year, an advisory group on bullying, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct was also established.

Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Jonathan O’Dea said that addressing unacceptable behaviour was critical for any workplace seeking to attract and retain quality staff.

Mr O’Dea said that, while the Goward review focused on government ministers and their staff, the Broderick review would take in the entire NSW Parliament.

“That means all members, their staff and the parliamentary staff who are involved in parliamentary procedures and the operations of the precinct.”

The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here.