Australian Greens: Greens call for end to toxic parliamentary workplace culture

The Australian Greens say today’s report into workplace culture in NSW Parliament shows that the toxic boys club of politics extends beyond Canberra.

Lines attributable to NSW Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Greens Deputy Leader and member of the Joint Select Committee on Parliamentary Standards:

“The Broderick report is nothing short of traumatic and devastating. Sadly, however, it does not surprise me that this is what has been revealed about my old workplace.

“The sexist and racist underbelly of parliamentary work has been exposed again and again, and needs to end. Bullying and harassment cannot just be accepted as part of our political culture. It has to be eradicated at all levels.

“As a member of the Joint Select Committee on Parliamentary Standards, which is looking at enforceable codes of conduct for parliamentary workplaces, I’m committed to making sure that the highest standards are set and followed. It’s beyond time to get this done, and to implement all the recommendations of the Jenkins report.

“As leaders, it is our responsibility to set the best example for others to follow. That means a safe and respectful workplace free from bullying, harassment, sexual assault, sexism and racism. Nothing less is acceptable.”

Lines attributable to Senator Larissa Waters, Greens Senate Leader and spokesperson on women:

“Today’s report has devastating similarities to the appalling behaviour in federal parliament outlined in Commissioner Jenkins’ Set the Standard report just last year. It’s yet another wake-up call about the need to do politics differently.

“We need more diverse, inclusive, and respectful parliamentary workplaces to end the toxic old white boys club that has allowed bad behaviour to go unchecked for too long.

“Toxic behaviour is not confined to parliament, and the Greens will continue to call for a positive duty on employers to make all workplaces safe and national efforts to address the gender inequality that drives this behaviour.”