Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles has shrugged off questions about bullying in his office following bombshell allegations from his former chief of staff Jo Tarnawsky last week.
Tarnawsky claims she was forced out of her job after seeking assistance to address workplace bullying, although she said Marles was not part of the bullying, however, she alleges he had told her to look for a different job after she raised concerns about the treatment.
Making the allegations last week, Tarnawsky explained to reporters she had been plagued by nightmares, flashbacks, symptoms of depression and anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.
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Tarnawsky, who also had a stint as Marles’ chief of staff between 2012 and 2013, said she decided to go public after she was left in a “completely broken state” after the bullying.
On Thursday, Marles joined Nat Barr on Sunrise, where he was questioned about the claims, with Barr asking: “We know this is with the lawyers. You can’t say much. Does Parliament House still have an issue with bullying.”
Marles took a matter-of-fact tone.
“Parliament House needs to be the exemplar in terms of employment in Australia. I’ve often said that. Certainly, I’ve sought to put that in place within my own office.”
The deputy prime minister said MPs and ministers “across the board” had been doing the same since the Jenkins report gave its recommendations.
For the past week, Marles has been plagued with questions about behaviour in his office. In prior interviews, he has said he was satisfied the Ministerial Code of Conduct was not breached.
The Ministerial Code of Conduct outlines that everyone has a “right to a safe and respectful workplace” and that “inappropriate behaviour in the workplace will not be tolerated”.
Marles said: “Not for a moment do I think the job is done. This is an enduring work in progress. We need to continue to be doing everything we can within our power to make sure that Parliament House is a good place to work.
“It’s a privilege to serve our country in the way we do. We need to make sure that we’re encouraging the best people to do that. Certainly, that’s what I’ve sought to do in relation to my own workplace.”
In Parliament’s Question Time on Thursday last week, Marles praised Tarnawsky publicly.
“She is a person who is completely committed to social justice in this country and I very much admire her … I feel very sad that events have got to where they have. It is obviously very difficult,” he told parliament.
“The way in which I have tried to manage this, I have done so with Jo’s welfare in mind at every moment, as I would try to manage things on that basis for all of my staff.
“This matter is now in the hands of lawyers, of course that is absolutely Jo’s right, but it does mean that it is difficult for me to say anything more on this.”
– With AAP
If you need help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For further information about depression contact beyondblue on 1300224636 or talk to your GP, local health professional or someone you trust.