Bandt coy on bullying claim

Australian Greens leader Adam Bandt, who is ever ready to take umbrage and condemn the actions of others – from Israel defending the lives of its citizens to business investing to create jobs, and householders opting for gas appliances – has been notably silent on the alleged behaviour of one of his own, Western Australian senator Dorinda Cox. Several of her former staff members have accused her of presiding over an “aggressive and unhealthy” office.

On Friday the latest to speak out, Senator Cox’s former media adviser, Lou Hendricks, said working in what she said was an unnecessarily aggressive environment was unhealthy, draining and unsustainable: “I did my best to support colleagues experiencing behaviours that are typically regarded as bullying while also experiencing similar, and trying to keep myself safe too,” she said. “Staff were anxious, visibly distressed and in some cases speaking about taking their own life, which was a huge red flag and demonstrated how seriously their mental health was affected.”

Mr Bandt has defended his office’s handling of complaints about Senator Cox, stating that the Parliamentary Workplace Support Service is the appropriate body to handle the matter. It is, but that does not absolve Mr Bandt of responsibility as party leader. More than 20 people have left Senator Cox’s small office since she was sworn into the Senate three years before. And at least six reportedly have complained, to the party and/or the PWSS. Indigenous elder Esther Montgomery described her brief stint working for Senator Cox as “psychological warfare”. Mr Bandt’s inaction undermines his credibility.