MPs probe

Friday March 19, 2021

Published by The Border Watch 

MEMBER for Mount Gambier Troy Bell said a code of conduct for South Australians MPs is timely and necessary, following the establishment of a joint parliamentary committee to address workplace harassment in State Parliament.

The independent MP will join seven other South Australian parliamentarians to determine a code of conduct for MPs as part of a joint parliamentary committee to address workplace harassment.

Representing the crossbench, Mr Bell said the work of the committee was essential to restoring trust in the state's parliamentary institution.

"South Australia's Parliament is a workplace just like any other across the state and everyone deserves to feel safe and respected at work," he said. "I have spoken out about the culture that is prevalent here in Parliament House and how I'd like to see that change." The establishment of the committee was prompted by the findings of an Equal Opportunity Commission review this month, which found that 27pc of State Parliament staff had experienced sexual harassment at work.

The committee will inquire into and report on the recommendations relevant to Parliament and discuss timelines for implementation, including a code of conduct for MPs.

"As legislators, I believe it's our job to lead by example and that means ensuring our own house is in order," Mr Bell said. "Other states already have a code of conduct for MPs and it's been a subject of discussion for years and years here in South Australia.

"The committee's job will be to ensure the proper structures are in place, including education and prevention strategies and reporting mechanisms that are supportive to staff and MPs.

"It is important that as a committee, we give serious consideration to these recommendations and act to implement them as soon as possible." The committee will inquire into and report on the recommendations relevant to Parliament and discuss timelines for implementation, including a code of conduct for MPs.