South Australia’s Parliament had a sexual harassment problem. What’s changed?

Months before reports of bullying and sexual harassment in Federal Parliament, South Australia’s Parliament was dealing with its own cultural crisis.

Now, 18 months after a damning report into its “toxic” workplace, the state’s Equal Opportunity Commissioner has said she is not satisfied enough has been done to protect MPs and staff from harassment.

“All of us are entitled to a workplace free of discrimination and harassment including sexual harassment,” SA’s current Equal Opportunity Commissioner Jodeen Carney said.

“There’s a big difference, isn’t there, between talk, and actually getting a job done.

“I’m not satisfied as to the latter.”

The review was ordered by both the Upper and Lower House in 2020, following allegations of inappropriate behavior by former Liberal MP Sam Duluk at a parliamentary Christmas function.

Mr Duluk was found not guilty of assaulting SA Best MLC Connie Bonaros in the Adelaide Magistrates Court last year.

Earlier, Mr Duluk had apologized for his behavior at the event, saying he was “deeply sorry for any actions that have caused offence”.

The Equal Opportunity Commissioner’s workplace review found sexual harassment was prevalent in state parliament.

Eight people reported being victims of sexual harassment by MPs or their staff in the five years prior, with the allegations including sexually suggestive comments, indecent exposure, and physical assault.

The report detailed a culture of victim-blaming, a lack of support for complainants, power imbalances, and a lack of training and accountability around workplace behaviour.

Concerns raised about response

Greens MLC Tammy Franks said she was concerned by the parliament’s “slow” response to the report’s 16 recommendations.

“That EO report revealed the toxic workplace here in South Australia,” she said.

“A year-and-a-half on, so many of those recommendations haven’t even begun, let alone be in a position where we can examine whether we’ve addressed the toxic culture.

“The old government was moving, but at a glacial pace.

“We should be seeing far more…on-the-ground evidence.”

The report recommended training for all MPs and parliamentary staff, to raise awareness of sexual and discriminatory harassment, as well as the establishment of new HR structures.

South Australia elected a new government in March, with a swag of first-term MPs sworn in soon after.

Ms Franks said she had received “one email” from the parliament’s recently appointed People and Culture Officer, while her staff had not received any correspondence.

“It’s concerning that the old crop of MPs didn’t get any training, it’s just as concerning that the new crop hasn’t been offered any training,” she said.

“Parliament is an old institution… [and] the culture of this institution needs concerted, dedicated, and resourced effort to get this job done.”

Liberal frontbencher Michelle Lensink said she believed all MPs wanted to see the recommendations brought in.

“We haven’t had proper HR channels in a range of things for people when they’re experiencing these difficulties,” she said.

“My understanding is there’s some progress that has been made under the Marshall Liberal Government… [but] the primary responsibility lies with the Department of Treasury and Finance.”

Code of conduct commences

Since the review, a code of conduct has been adopted by the parliament – ​​a recommendation put forward by both the Equal Opportunity Commissioner, and by the state’s Independent Commissioner Against Corruption.

In a statement, the Clerks of the House of Assembly and the Legislative Council said work was underway to implement the recommendations.

“Importantly, a people and culture coordinator has been appointed to lead a people and culture unit within Parliament House and there has been considerable progress towards implementing the report’s other relevant recommendations,” they said.

“The Speaker and the President have made it clear how important this work is and it is being taken extremely seriously.

“Both presiding officers will update parliament after the winter recess.”

Changes have also been made to allow breast and bottle feeding in the chamber.

Government responds

Premier Peter Malinauskas said he wanted to see changes made “in a timely way.”

“The Speaker has advised us that the recruitment of a HR specialist has now taken place, which to most people in the private sector would seem like a standard operating procedure, but as it turns out in the archaic processes of parliament is something that’s rather revolutionary ,” he said.

“I do hope this represents a change and that we actually do get some HR skills in the parliament, to not just train staff, but to make sure basic standards are being adhered to.

“We know that there has been progress … but naturally we want to see progress in a timely way, especially because we’re at the point where most new MPs have got their feet under the desk.

“Now is the time to make sure they’re being trained up on all those appropriate standards.”

“My government will be providing the parliament with all the resources it needs to make sure that can occur.”