Bombshell finding about Parliament

The inquiry, sparked by allegations former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins was raped at Parliament House, has recommended a new code of conduct be enforced for politicians and their staff. Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins was engaged to undertake the review in March. The inquiry received over 1700 contributions, but only 16 of those were from former and current politicians. Overall, the Australian Human Rights Commission review made 28 recommendations, including a crackdown on alcohol use in parliament house, better leadership, the need for gender parity and a codes of conduct for staff and parliamentarians. It also called for the parliament to acknowledge the harm done by the bullying, sexual harassment and assault in parliamentary workplaces. “The statement should outline the institutional leadership commitment to change, with shared accountability for progress,” the review said. “An acknowledgement of the impact of misconduct is important for validating the experience of individuals who have been subject to harm under the watch of leaders in CPWs. “Further, an acknowledgement can start to restore the trust between individuals who have experienced misconduct and CPWs. “It would be an important demonstration by leaders in these workplaces that they acknowledge the experiences, recent and past, and are committed to working together to ensure CPWs are safe and respectful.”It’s understood Ms Jenkins briefed Ms Higgins on the report’s findings on Monday. Ms Higgins alleged she was raped by a former colleague in the ministerial office of then-defence minister Linda Reynolds at Parliament House in March 2019.The man accused will stand trial in June. He has pleaded not guilty. More to come. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au