Lessons on sex assault
MP training on safe workplace
ANTI-HARASSMENT workshops to educate politicians and staffers about sexual assault and bullying will begin on Monday.
The training, prompted by the alleged rape of Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins, aims to improve workplace safety.
It comes as federal Labor MP David Smith confirmed one of his employees was terminated after facing court for rape charges on Saturday.
In a note to staff this month, Finance Minister Simon Birmingham said: “All parliamentarians and offices will be given the opportunity, and expected, to complete the training before the end of the year, unless there are exceptional circumstances”.
“We are also looking at arrangements to ensure any new starters are provided the opportunity to complete the training.”
Politicians and staffers in Victoria, NSW and Canberra will be the first to receive the training.
The courses will be delivered virtually due to Covid-19 lockdowns in all three jurisdictions.
In July, it was revealed the training would be optional for MPs, but Prime Minister Scott Morrison later said the sessions would be compulsory for federal government ministers and staff.
However, a public register listing the names of politicians who take the training is yet to be established.
The “name and shame” function was one of 10 recommendations – all adopted by government – in the Foster report on serious incidents in the parliamentary workplace.
“The government continues to work with the opposition and minor parties to establish a public register,” a Finance Department spokesman said.
Two courses using “practical scenarios” will help people understand what behaviours do or do not constitute assault, sexual assault, sexual harassment, serious and systemic bullying or harassment.
The material will also provide guidance about rights and responsibilities in the workplace, unacceptable behaviour and how to respond to serious incidents.
Politicians and their chiefs of staff will attend one-hour sessions, while groups of employees will attend twohour sessions.