Chief Executive Women welcomes ‘Set the Standard’ report and recommendations
With the Report finding half of people currently in Commonwealth parliamentary workplaces experiencing at least one incident of bullying, sexual harassment or actual or attempted sexual assault, it is clear that no time can be wasted.
Chief Executive Women President Sam Mostyn AO said the alarming and disturbing findings in the report highlight the systemic nature of this pernicious issue.
“The Jenkins ‘Set the Standard’ recommendations are sensible, practical and achievable steps that must be taken immediately to ensure that parliamentary workplaces are safe, respectful and inclusive for all and meet the standards that Australians expect.
“The pandemic taught us we can do big things fast when we need to. We need to see leadership from all elected representatives and comprehensive implementation of the recommendations as a matter of urgency.
“CEW supports the recommendations for diverse leadership, the introduction of targets, an action plan to achieve gender balance and increase diversity among parliamentarians.
More women in parliament, especially in cabinet, will result in decision making that better reflects Australia, while creating a safer, more inclusive workplace,
Ms Mostyn said.
CEW welcomes the multi-party approach to implementation of these recommendations.
CEW commends Kate Jenkins, the Sex Discrimination Commissioner and CEW Member, and the Human Rights Commission for the report, acknowledging the rigorous and thorough methodology for the review.
30 November 2021, end