Jenkins review calls for greater protections for political staffers

Sex Discrimination Kate Jenkins’ landmark report has proposed a sweeping reform agenda for Australia’s parliament.

Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins. Picture: Joel Carrett

Federal political staffers would be granted access to unfair dismissal provisions in the Fair Work Act under major changes that would make it harder for MPs to fire them.

A landmark report led by Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins proposed a sweeping reform agenda for the nation’s parliament through 28 recommendations. The review was one of a series of investigations launched after former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins went public in February with her allegation she was raped inside Parliament House shortly before the 2019 election.

The report recommended an overhaul of the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act, under which political staffers are employed. Under the act, an MP can sack a staffer on the spot if they lose trust or confidence in them.

Ms Higgins called for reform of the legislation to provide greater safeguards for staffers, particularly those who came forward with complaints, when she met Scott Morrison face to face in April.

Releasing the report on Tuesday, the Prime Minister said all political staffers should have the same security of employment as other workplaces. “That puts an obligation on employers to ensure that they’re employing well,” he said.

Under the recommendations the act would be amended to require a written notice of termination to specify the reason for the decision and insist it must comply with the Fair Work Act, including its unfair dismissal provisions. The report also recommended MPs inform the proposed Office of Parliamentarian Staffing and Culture, an independent human resources body, before a termination was enforced.