Former Liberal, Labor staffers want stronger privacy protection in workplace culture review

The group of women, including Brittany Higgins and Fiona Sugden, warn the publication of allegations could ‘damage a victim’s career’.

Brittany Higgins speaks at the Canberra Womens March 4 Justice. Picture: Getty Images

Former and current Labor and Liberal staffers have called for stronger privacy protections from Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins’ review into federal parliament’s workplace culture, warning the publication of allegations could “significantly damage a victim’s career” and retraumatise them.

Fiona Sugden

In a letter sent on Wednesday to Scott Morrison and Anthony Albanese, the group of women, who include former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins and former Albanese, Shorten and Rudd Labor staffer Fiona Sugden, say legislative changes are required this sitting fortnight to protect participants’ privacy.

“As the Australian Human Rights Commission is subject to the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) (FOI Act) and the Archives Act 1983 (Cth), there is currently no guarantee that information submitted will remain private as it would if the inquiry were conducted under parliamentary privilege,” the women say.

“We are concerned that even if names are redacted, details of submissions could still lead to the identification of victims – or the alleged perpetrators. For example, particular details being provided could of course point to individuals, periods of time of their employers.

“The possibility that submissions may be made public in 20 years by the National Archives of Australia has similar problems as discussed above. Further, it may significantly damage a victim’s career at the time and cause retraumatisation.”

Therese Rein. Picture: Tim Marsden

Lucy Turnbull. Picture: Adam Yip

Signatories of the letter also include Therese Rein and Lucy Turnbull, the wives of former prime ministers Kevin Rudd and Malcolm Turnbull.

Finance Minister Simon Birmingham said the government was working with Labor to address concerns raised relating to the FOI Act and Archives Act.

“It’s vital the review continues to have the full confidence of staff and that individuals have the confidence to participate knowing that they will be supported and that their privacy will be protected,” he said.

“The participation of current and former staff in the independent review will be of paramount importance to bringing about the cultural and practical change that is necessary in our parliamentary workplace.”