Bullying in House targeted
Recent scandals prompt review of behaviour
The stressful, 24/7 nature of parliamentary work that is typically marked by power imbalances and immense loyalty makes it open to bullying and harassment behaviour, says Speaker Trevor Mallard.
The nature and extent of that behaviour will come under scrutiny in a major independent external review, Mallard announced yesterday.
While the review had been planned for some time, it has been given renewed impetus following the sexual assault scandal surrounding Russell McVeigh, allegations of bullying behaviour against Botany MP Jami-Lee Ross — who denies acting improperly — and Dame Laura Cox’s report into bullying and harassment in Britain’s House of Commons.
It also follows the demotion of Meka Whaitiri over her alleged manhandling of a staff member, though Whaitiri disputes aspects of the event.
The National Party is also reviewing its practices to ensure a safe working environment after the fallout with Ross.
“Bullying and harassment are unacceptable in any workplace, including at Parliament,” Mallard said.
“I don’t think you’ll find any party is exempt from these issues. Part of it comes from the intense loyalty and teamwork that parties do.
“I’m absolutely certain that within each of the parties, people don’t complain about for example being bullied into doing extra hours, or harder work, or stuff which is at the margins because of their loyalty to the subteam that they work for. We’ve got to work out where those limits should be better than we do now.”
He said the review, which will cost $150,000 to $200,000 from existing budgets, would be very conscious not to re-victimise people who came forward, and will have an “absolute assurance” of confidentiality.
The review will look for behaviour trends from the start of the 51st Parliament in October 2014.
But Mallard said any person who came forward with a historical case would not be turned away.
Debbie Francis will lead the review, supported by law firm MinterEllisonRuddWatts.
Francis has led a major culture change programme across the Defence Force, has delivered change projects across the public and private sectors, and was lead partner for PricewaterhouseCoopers People and Change practice.
She defined bullying as “repeated intentional inappropriate or offensive behaviour against an individual or group that causes physical harm or emotional harm”. “It’s not the odd loose joke or robust political debate — that’s part of a healthy democracy.”
The review will encompass staff from Parliamentary Service, the Office of the Clerk, Ministerial and Secretariat Services/Department of Internal Affairs, contract staff and former staff. No one will be compelled to participate.
Francis said people were free to disclose what information they wanted, but she would not publish individual incidents in her report.
“I’m looking for the patterns [and] . . . suggestions for improvement.”