An independent review is being launched into bullying and harassment at Parliament.
Speaker Trevor Mallard made the announcement today, saying the review would investigate whether bullying and harassment had occurred and to what extent since October 2014.
The review, run by Debbie Francis, would include Parliamentary Service, Office of the Clerk, Ministerial and Secretariat Services, contractors and former staff.
"Bullying and harassment are unacceptable in any workplace, including at Parliament.
An independent review is being launched into bullying and harassment at Parliament, Mr Mallard said today. (Source: Other)
"All the agencies involved want their staff to feel safe and supported."
An independent review is being launched into bullying and harassment at Parliament, Mr Mallard said today. (Source: Other)
Mr Mallard said they want to "proactively" find out how to improve the Parliamentary workplace.
Staff would participate through online surveys, interviews with Ms Francis, through focus groups and in writing via email or letters.
The review would take place over the next few months, with the findings to be released after.
“Incidents have occurred over many years in these buildings which are unacceptable,” he said.
Mr Mallard said there had been a series of workplace health and safety actions Parliamentary Service had been involved in, including increasing security outside Parliament and looking at safety risks at electorate offices.
He said he was not aware of a review into bullying and harassment in New Zealand Parliament before, and said it would cost between $150,000 - 200,000.
It was expected to be concluded in April, 2019.
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