The Governance Institute of Australia, an association committed to promoting sound practice in governance and risk management, welcomes a new code of conduct for federal politicians and staff as an important but long overdue measure. 

Governance Institute CEO Megan Motto said the new code will be an important tool to improve the culture of government and trust in the institution. 

“We’ve seen study after study that demonstrates that trust in public institutions is low,” she said. 

“In particular, our own ethics index has shown that politicians from all levels of government appear in three of the bottom five of the least ethically perceived professions in Australia.” 

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According to the association, the new behaviour standards, which have been passed today will apply to all activity within parliamentary precincts, includes requirements for people to: 

• Act respectfully, professionally and with integrity. 
• Encourage and value diverse perspectives and recognise the importance of a free exchange of ideas. 
• Recognise and not abuse positions of power, influence or authority. 
• Uphold laws that support safe and respectful workplaces, including anti- discrimination, employment, work health and safety and criminal laws. 
• Not ignore, tolerate nor condone bullying, harassment, sexual harassment or assault, or discrimination in any form, including on the grounds of race, age, sex, sexuality, gender identity, disability, or religion. 

Ms Motto said a safer and better working environment in parliament sets the tone for organisations across the country. 

“It’s incredibly important that we have good culture in our parliament and that our parliament adheres to the key tenets of what makes up good governance,” she said. 

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Last year, the Governance Institute of Australia sent a submission to the federal government’s Inquiry into Codes of Conduct for Commonwealth Parliamentary Workplaces. 

The submission focused on the prevention of ‘bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual assault’, ‘reasonable expectations of professional respectful behaviour’, ‘the enforcement of any proposed code’ and the findings of the Set the Standard Report of the Inquiry’s Terms of Reference. 

Eliza Sayon

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Eliza is a content producer and editor at Public Spectrum. She is an experienced writer on topics related to the government and to the public, as well as stories that uplift and improve the community.

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