State funds bullying response
The NSW cabinet has backed a substantial $15 million budget to implement anti-bullying and harassment reforms.
It comes after an official report, which was released last August, uncovered distressing incidents of systemic bullying, widespread harassment, and five alleged sexual assaults within the state's legislative body.
The funds will be allocated to support services, training, and the formation of a 10-member team dedicated to executing the Broderick report's 31 recommendations.
These measures aim to create a safer and more respectful environment for everyone working within NSW parliament.
The urgency for reform was emphasised recently when allegations against upper house member Taylor Martin came to light.
Since the report's release, the parliament's independent complaints office has reportedly received eight complaints, two of which relate to bullying, harassment, or inappropriate conduct.
The independent review, led by former sex discrimination commissioner Elizabeth Broderick, revealed shocking statistics: more than a third of respondents reported experiencing bullying or sexual harassment within the past five years.
The report called for the creation of a “parliamentary advisory group” to involve staff and victim-survivors in the reform's implementation.
Unfortunately, this group has not been engaged in any meetings with parliamentary officials since the elections, raising concerns about the lack of consultation.
Premier Chris Minns has acknowledged the challenges highlighted by the report and reaffirmed the government's commitment to implementing all recommendations.