Coalition says Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles should resign if staffer’s allegations breached code

The Opposition says the Deputy Prime Minister should resign if he is found to have breached the ministerial code over allegations made by his chief of staff.

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles should resign if he is found to have breached the ministerial code of conduct over bullying allegations in his office made by his chief of staff, the opposition says.

On Thursday, Jo Tarnawsky, one of the government’s most senior ministerial staffers, alleged she had been “bullied out” of the top job in Mr Marles’ office, and had been pushed out of actively doing her role after raising the concerns with him in May.

Jo Tarnawsky has alleged she was ‘bullied’ out of her job as one of the government’s most senior ministerial staffers. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Although Ms Tarnawsky, who remains on the payroll, has not made allegations of bullying against Mr Marles, she said she wanted him to be “held accountable”.

“What I want is for people to know the truth and for Richard Marles, as well as those who have enabled his behaviour, to be held accountable for what has happened,” Ms Tarnawsky said.

“Now, I am the most senior female chief of staff on the Hill and my workplace is not safe.”

On Friday, Deputy Liberal leader Sussan Ley, who is also the spokeswoman for women, said allegations put forward by Ms Tarnawsky were “very serious”.

“These allegations will be tested in the fullness of time, but the consequences for any minister breaching the ministerial code of conduct must be resignation,” she told 7’s Sunrise program on Friday.

Appearing alongside Ms Ley, Education Minister Jason Clare said that while the culture of parliament had improved, he acknowledged there was “more work to do.

“You saw Jo Tarnawsky speak at the press conference. You also saw Richard speak in parliament about this, and you can see how difficult this is for both individuals,” he said.

“To your fundamental point about the culture of parliament, it has changed, but there’s still more work to do.”

While Ms Tarnawsky did not say Richard Marles had bullied her, she said he should be held accountable for her complaints were handled. Picture: NewsWire/ Martin Ollman

Deputy Liberal Leader Sussan Ley said Mr Marles should resign if he is found to have breached the ministerial code of conduct. Picture: NewsWire/ Martin Ollman

Speaking to media on Thursday, Ms Tarnawsky also called on Anthony Albanese to commit to his government’s workplace reforms which strengthened the ministerial code of conduct which ensures ministers have “obligation to demonstrate and uphold the highest workplace standards”.

The government also passed legislation establishing a new independent body to crackdown on bad behaviour in parliament, which began on October 1.

“The Prime Minister has committed the government to parliamentary workplace reforms, to ensuring the safety of women in this building and to higher standards in the ministerial code of conduct,” Ms Tarnawsky said.

“I asked the Prime Minister to hold these commitments in full. No political party is immune from poor workplace behaviour, but the real test is how they handle it when it happens.”