The Prime Minister has acknowledged that improving workplace conduct standards at Parliament House requires time and careful consideration. 

PM Anthony Albanese’s comments come in response to recent allegations of sexual harassment by Senator David Van, a former member of the Liberal Party. 

Albanese has stated that his party is committed to implementing all 28 recommendations put forth by former Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins in her review of Commonwealth parliamentary workplaces. 

Draft codes of conduct have already been endorsed, and an independent statutory human relations agency, as recommended by Jenkins, is set to commence operations in October.

Albanese says the government is aware of the importance of establishing an independent parliamentary standards commission and swiftly implementing the recommendations outlined in the review of the Members of Parliament Staff Act. 

He acknowledged the need for cooperation from all members of parliament and their ownership of the reform process. 

A parliamentary leadership taskforce has been formed to facilitate this cooperation.

Meanwhile, Kate Jenkins, the former sex discrimination commissioner, has expressed confidence in the changing culture of the parliament. 

Addressing concerns that harassment allegations are being used for political gain, Jenkins stated that significant improvements have been made in the workplace environment. 

Jenkins led an inquiry into the broader culture of Parliament House, prompted in part by Brittany Higgins's allegation of rape in 2021. 

Although no findings were made against the accused, Bruce Lehrmann, as the trial was abandoned due to juror misconduct, leaked private text messages and audio recordings between Higgins and her partner have come to light, suggesting communication with politicians prior to the story's publication.

Jenkins noted that compared to the past, better systems have been put in place within parliament. 

However, she acknowledged the unique challenges faced by parliamentary staff due to the potential for issues to become politicised. 

The Set the Standard review revealed that one-third of parliamentary staffers experienced sexual harassment, while nearly 40 per cent experienced bullying. 

Jenkins says there is a need to ensure that the welfare of individuals remains at the forefront throughout the process, as the current system often feels overwhelming for those involved.

Jenkins also expressed concerns about certain media reporting, which she deemed harmful to sexual assault victims. 

She criticized the focus on individual cases and the portrayal of a ‘victim vs. villain’ narrative, stressing that sexual harassment and assault are systemic issues rooted in power abuse and gender inequality. 

Jenkins called for a shift in the conversation surrounding these topics in both the media and the workplace, aiming for a community where open discussions can take place without perpetuating harmful stereotypes.

Despite efforts to improve workplace conduct and raise awareness, sexual assault remains pervasive in Australia, with a significant number of cases going unreported and under-prosecuted. 

The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported an average of 85 sexual assaults per day in 2021.