Abstract
On 16 February 2021, the Prime Minister, the Hon Scott Morrison MP, tasked a review of the procedures and processes involved in identifying, reporting and responding to serious incidents that occur during parliamentary employment. This was triggered by deeply distressing reports of an alleged sexual assault in a Ministerial office in March 2019 made public the previous day. The Prime Minister asked that the review be conducted by Stephanie Foster PSM, Deputy Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, and that it provide recommendations on how to ensure independence from the employer in such processes, empowerment to victims, and timely, effective and ongoing services and support.
The Final Report has been released following briefing with the Opposition, minor parties, independents and staff. The Government has accepted the recommendations in full.
The Final Report was developed following the release of the consultation copy on 4 June 2021 (see left-hand menu).