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NSW Liberals will not ‘tolerate’ sexual harassment, bullying and discrimination
Bullying, sexual harassment, vilification, physical violence and discrimination will not be tolerated by the NSW division of the Liberal Party under its inaugural mandatory Code of Conduct and Ethics, which requires members to “treat others with dignity, courtesy and respect”.
The new code singles out text messages, emails, teasing, nicknames and emails as forms of possible bullying.
On Friday night the NSW State Executive voted unanimously to adopt the code, which includes a promise, not yet codified in the party’s constitution, to establish an autonomous Conduct Review Committee to deal with complaints.
It is the first formal code of conduct adopted by the state party and follows the national code developed by former Liberal party executives Chris McDiven and Brian Loughnane.
The NSW party reforms were announced after a horror few weeks for the federal Liberal party, during which it has contended with an allegation of rape in Parliament House by one former Liberal staffer against another, and the airing of an allegation of historical rape against a cabinet minister.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Monday the minister “vigorously rejected” the allegation.
“There is no doubt that harassment and assault are completely unacceptable in any circumstances,” said NSW Liberal Party President Philip Ruddock.
NSW Liberal Party President Philip Ruddock.Credit: Mmick Tsikas
“Everyone is entitled to feel safe and no one should have to be subjected to inappropriate behaviour of any kind.”
Female Vice-President Mary-Lou Jarvis said the new code “reflects a common sense approach in the way members should interact”.
The code requires Liberal party staff, volunteers and members to “maintain a high standard of integrity and professionalism” and “treat each other with respect, courtesy and dignity”.
It cites “discrimination, vilification, bullying, threatening behaviour, harassment, including sexual harassment, physical violence and other forms of inappropriate behaviour” as prohibited and says those behaviours will not be tolerated.
It lists grounds on which discrimination can occur including breastfeeding, gender identity, race, sex and religion. It defines bullying as “unreasonable and inappropriate behaviour directed towards an individual or a group which creates a risk to physical or mental health and safety”.
It says bullying can include jokes, teasing, nicknames, emails, pictures, text messages, ignoring people or unfair work practices.
Sexual harassment can include “brushing up against someone, touching or fondling”, displaying offensive photos or screensavers, repeated requests to go out, sexual insults or taunts, and requests for sex.
“Just because someone does not object to inappropriate behaviour at the time, does not mean that they are consenting to the behaviour,” the code states.
Penalties can include suspension or expulsion from the NSW party.