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Parliamentary Workplace Support Service (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions)

Current status

This bill became law on Sep 19th, 2023.

Policy area

Work & employment

What does this bill do?

People will have less public access to Parliamentary Workplace Support ServiceThe new body that takes over workplace support and complaint handling for parliamentary workplaces. documents under freedom of information and archives laws, to better protect sensitive workplace and complaint material.

Why was it introduced?

The Set the Standard reportThe review report that recommended major changes to parliamentary workplace support and culture. exposed the need for a permanent parliamentary workplace body, and support and complaints functions were still split across the existing service and the Finance Department. This bill lets the new statutory PWSSThe new body that takes over workplace support and complaint handling for parliamentary workplaces. take over those roles, continue older and current complaints, and protect sensitive records.

Broader context

An interim Parliamentary Workplace Support ServiceThe new body that takes over workplace support and complaint handling for parliamentary workplaces. had operated since September 2021, while some workplace support functions still sat with the Department of Finance, leaving parliamentary workplace complaints, support and cultural-change work split across different parts of government and involving highly sensitive personal information. This 2023 bill responded by moving those roles and existing matters into a single statutory service, carrying over older and current complaints, and limiting access to sensitive records under freedom of information and archives laws; Parliament passed it in September 2023 and it became law days later.

Key criticism

The main criticism was not that the bill should be stopped, but that it needed minor technical changes and clearer drafting so the new workplace support system would work properly for staff. That concern came from the Coalition while still backing the bill in principle, and several crossbench and Greens speakers said the measure was only a first step rather than a complete answer to Parliament's workplace culture problems.

Who supported it?

Patrick Gorman MP introduced this bill. It passed on the voices.

Introduced in House 10 Aug 2023
Passed House 07 Sept 2023
Passed Senate 14 Sept 2023
Became law 19 Sept 2023

Did it become law?

Yes

Became law 19 Sept 2023

Final passage

Passed without a counted vote

Members called out ‘aye’ or ‘no’ — no individual votes were recorded.

Passage speed

40 days

From introduction to the latest recorded parliamentary step

Official record

View on APH

Parliament of Australia bill page

Meaning

What does this bill do?

  1. People will have less public access to Parliamentary Workplace Support ServiceThe new body that takes over workplace support and complaint handling for parliamentary workplaces. documents under freedom of information and archives laws, to better protect sensitive workplace and complaint material.

  2. The new Parliamentary Workplace Support ServiceThe new body that takes over workplace support and complaint handling for parliamentary workplaces. takes over the old workplace support service and some Department of Finance functions, bringing those roles into one statutory body.

  3. The Parliamentary Workplace Support ServiceThe new body that takes over workplace support and complaint handling for parliamentary workplaces. can handle workplace conduct allegations from before or after the law starts, so older matters are not shut out.

  4. Complaints already underway under the old parliamentary workplace complaints process move across and continue under the new Parliamentary Workplace Support ServiceThe new body that takes over workplace support and complaint handling for parliamentary workplaces..

  5. Two years after the main Parliamentary Workplace Support ServiceThe new body that takes over workplace support and complaint handling for parliamentary workplaces. law starts, the Parliamentary Workplace Support ServiceThe new body that takes over workplace support and complaint handling for parliamentary workplaces.'s review function is removed.

Show source excerpts
  1. This bill proposes amendments to the Freedom of Information Act 1982 and to the Archives Act 1983 to restrict public access to documents of the Parliamentary Workplace Support Service.
    Second reading speech
  2. The statutory PWSS established by the PWSS Bill would integrate the existing Parliamentary Workplace Support Service (the existing PWSS). The existing PWSS was established on 23 September 2021 as a function of the Parliamentary Service Commissioner, through the Parliamentary Service Amendment (Independent Parliamentary Workplace Complaints Mechanism) Determination 2021 made under the Parliamentary Service Act 1999. The statutory PWSS would also integrate some functions of the Department of Finance.
    Parliamentary Workplace Support Service (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) explanatory memorandum
  3. The PWSS may perform a function under section 15, 16 or 19 of the PWSS Act in relation to alleged relevant conduct that occurs before, on or after the commencement of this item.
    Parliamentary Workplace Support Service (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) as-passed bill text
  4. (2) The PWSS must deal with the complaint on and after that commencement as if the complaint had been made to the PWSS under section 19 of the PWSS Act, subject to subitems (3) to (5).
    Parliamentary Workplace Support Service (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) as-passed bill text
  5. The day after the end of the period of 2 years beginning on the day the Parliamentary Workplace Support Service Act 2023 commences.
    Parliamentary Workplace Support Service (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) as-passed bill text

Context

Broader context for this bill

An interim Parliamentary Workplace Support ServiceThe new body that takes over workplace support and complaint handling for parliamentary workplaces. had operated since September 2021, while some workplace support functions still sat with the Department of Finance, leaving parliamentary workplace complaints, support and cultural-change work split across different parts of government and involving highly sensitive personal information. This 2023 bill responded by moving those roles and existing matters into a single statutory service, carrying over older and current complaints, and limiting access to sensitive records under freedom of information and archives laws; Parliament passed it in September 2023 and it became law days later.

  1. 23 Sept 2021

    Interim parliamentary workplace complaints service begins operating

    An existing Parliamentary Workplace Support ServiceThe new body that takes over workplace support and complaint handling for parliamentary workplaces. was set up under the Parliamentary Service CommissionerThe office that previously hosted the interim workplace complaints function before the new statutory body was created., creating an initial complaints mechanism before a standalone statutory body existed.

    Parliamentary Workplace Support Service (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) explanatory memorandum ↗
  2. 10 Aug 2023

    Government introduces bill to create a single statutory workplace support body

    The bill was introduced to fold the existing service and some Department of Finance functions into a new Parliamentary Workplace Support ServiceThe new body that takes over workplace support and complaint handling for parliamentary workplaces. and carry across past and current matters.

    Parliamentary timeline ↗
  3. 14 Sept 2023

    Parliament passes the bill

    Both houses agreed on the final text, including amendments, clearing the way for the new statutory service to take over functions and protect sensitive complaint records from ordinary FOIThe law that normally lets the public ask for government documents, but this bill carves out many PWSS records. access.

    Parliamentary timeline ↗
  4. 19 Sept 2023

    Bill receives Royal AssentThe final formal approval that turns a bill passed by Parliament into an Act.

    Royal AssentThe final formal approval that turns a bill passed by Parliament into an Act. turned the measure into law so transitional arrangements, privacy protections and the transfer of complaints and functions to the statutory PWSSThe new body that takes over workplace support and complaint handling for parliamentary workplaces. could proceed.

    Parliamentary timeline ↗

Legislative route

How did it move through Parliament?

House Senate
Introduced 10 Aug 2023

The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.

Introduced and read a first time

Second reading opened 10 Aug 2023

A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.

Second reading moved

Second reading debate 07 Sept 2023

The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.

House second reading agreed 07 Sept 2023

The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.

Second reading agreed to

House third reading agreed 07 Sept 2023

The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber. Later message exchanges with the other chamber were still recorded afterwards.

Third reading agreed to

Introduced 11 Sept 2023

The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.

Introduced and read a first time

Second reading opened 11 Sept 2023

A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.

Second reading moved

Second reading debate 14 Sept 2023

The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.

Senate second reading agreed 14 Sept 2023

The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.

Second reading agreed to

Senate agreed to amendment packages 14 Sept 2023

The chamber considered amendments before the bill moved to the next stage.

Committee of the Whole debate

Senate third reading agreed 14 Sept 2023

The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.

Third reading agreed to

House agreed to Senate amendments on Senate review 14 Sept 2023

The House dealt with Senate amendments or requests so both chambers could settle the bill in the same form. The main amendments were: Observed added text: "Schedule 3—Repeal of review function Parliamentary Workplace Support ServiceThe new body that takes over workplace support and complaint handling for parliamentary workplaces. Act 2023 1 Section 4 Omit: (f) its review…".

Consideration of Senate message

Passed both houses 14 Sept 2023

Both houses passed the bill in the same form, completing parliamentary passage.

Finally passed both Houses

Assent 19 Sept 2023

The Governor-General gave Royal AssentThe final formal approval that turns a bill passed by Parliament into an Act., turning the bill into an Act.

Key criticism

The main case against this bill

The main criticism was not that the bill should be stopped, but that it needed minor technical changes and clearer drafting so the new workplace support system would work properly for staff. That concern came from the Coalition while still backing the bill in principle, and several crossbench and Greens speakers said the measure was only a first step rather than a complete answer to Parliament's workplace culture problems.

No party represented in the debate opposed the bill, and criticism stayed limited and largely conditional.

Technical fixes and clearer drafting

The strongest direct reservation was that the bill needed minor technical changes and more clarity so staff could understand how the new arrangements would operate and transition in practice.

Raised by Coalition speakers including Angus Taylor and James Stevens Source ↗

Reform package may be incomplete without stronger enforcement

Several supporters warned that creating the new service would not by itself fix Parliament's culture, arguing stronger enforcement and an independent standards body were still needed or misconduct could remain inadequately addressed.

Raised by Crossbench and Greens speakers including Kylea Tink, Helen Haines, Allegra Spender and Larissa Waters Source ↗

Further sources

parlinfo.aph.gov.au ↗

Votes

Recorded votes

How the bill itself passed

The bill passed both chambers on the voices, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes for final passage.

Passed

House passed the bill

House agreed to the bill's third reading on the voices, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes for final passage in that chamber.

07 Sept 2023

Passed on the voices

In a voice vote, members call out Aye or No and the presiding officer judges which side has it. Individual names are only recorded if a formal division is called.

Passed

Senate passed the bill

Senate agreed to the bill's third reading on the voices, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes for final passage in that chamber.

14 Sept 2023

Passed on the voices

In a voice vote, members call out Aye or No and the presiding officer judges which side has it. Individual names are only recorded if a formal division is called.

Amendments at a glance

Amendments grouped by chamber. These cards include amendment outcomes recorded without a counted division.

House

Carried

House accepted all Senate amendments

The House agreed to the amendments made by the Senate, so the bill could pass both chambers in the same form.

Carried on voices

The chamber decided this amendment without a counted division, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes.

Hansard record ↗

Senate

Carried

PWSSThe new body that takes over workplace support and complaint handling for parliamentary workplaces. review function repeal agreed

The Senate agreed on voices to Government committee-stage amendments limiting and then repealing the PWSSThe new body that takes over workplace support and complaint handling for parliamentary workplaces. review function after two years.

Carried on voices

The chamber decided this amendment without a counted division, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes.

Hansard record ↗

Parliamentary debate

Who spoke, and what they said

Start here — lead voices

Sponsor speech Supports

Patrick Gorman

Australian Labor Party • MP 10 Aug 2023

Gorman supports the bill as part of the package creating the new Parliamentary Workplace Support ServiceThe new body that takes over workplace support and complaint handling for parliamentary workplaces..

Read in Hansard ↗
Lead supporting voice Supports

Kylea Tink

Independent • MP 07 Sept 2023

Kylea Tink supports the bill, saying it is welcome progress because it gives effect to the Set the standardThe review report that recommended major changes to parliamentary workplace support and culture. recommendations by creating an independent workplace support service for Parliament.

Read in Hansard ↗
Lead non-major voice Supports

Zali Steggall

Independent • MP 07 Sept 2023

Steggall supports the bill as an essential first step to make Parliament a safer workplace, because it modernises staff employment rules and creates an independent support service to improve handling of workplace issues.

Read in Hansard ↗
Lead voice Mixed

Angus Taylor

Liberal Party • MP 07 Sept 2023

Taylor says the opposition gives the bill in-principle support, but is reserving its final position while it seeks minor technical changes to improve how it works and provide clarity for staff.

Read in Hansard ↗

All speeches by bloc

Labor

6 speakers · 7 contributions · 6 support

  1. Carol Brown Brown supports the bill because it makes the new parliamentary workplace support serviceThe new body that takes over workplace support and complaint handling for parliamentary workplaces. workable, protects sensitive staff information, and ensures the transition from the existing service continues smoothly.
    “The Parliamentary Workplace Support Service (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2023 would provide for consequential amendments and transitional arrangements to support the Parliamentary Workplace Support Service Bill 2023.”

    Australian Labor Party • Senator • 11 Sept 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  2. Sharon Claydon Claydon supports the bill as part of the reform package to implement the Jenkins recommendations, saying it will modernise the employment framework and improve clarity, transparency and workplace support.
    “This MOP(S) Amendment Bill has been a long time coming. The setting up of the PWSS as a new statutory authority is an important adjunct to the MOP(S) work that has been done. It will modernise the MOP(S) employment framework, and that is terribly important.”

    Australian Labor Party • MP • 07 Sept 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  3. Katy Gallagher Gallagher supports the bill and says it is part of the parliament's response to the Set the standard reportThe review report that recommended major changes to parliamentary workplace support and culture., designed to permanently strengthen the Parliamentary Workplace Support ServiceThe new body that takes over workplace support and complaint handling for parliamentary workplaces. and improve workplace safety and culture.
    “The bills before us today really do stay true to the guiding principles in the Set the standard report for a new human resources entity to support the employment relationship between parliamentarians and their staff. The new PWSS will play a key role in advancing the professionalism of that relationship. A significant distinction from the existing arrangement is that the new PWSS is independent and cannot be directed by any person in the performance of its function or exercise of its power.”

    Australian Labor Party • Senator • 14 Sept 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  4. Patrick Gorman ★ 2 contributions Gorman supports the bill and says it is part of the government's commitment to implement the Set the standardThe review report that recommended major changes to parliamentary workplace support and culture. recommendations and create a more professional, safe and respectful parliamentary workplace.

    Hansard records 2 separate contributions by Patrick Gorman on this bill. They are grouped here so the speaker is listed once.

    Second reading speech Australian Labor Party • MP • 10 Aug 2023

    Gorman supports the bill as part of the package creating the new Parliamentary Workplace Support ServiceThe new body that takes over workplace support and complaint handling for parliamentary workplaces.. He says the consequential changes are needed so the new service can replace the existing one and keep handling current matters, while protecting sensitive employment information.

    “The bill also amends the Parliamentary Service Determination 2013 to repeal a provision that establishes the existing Parliamentary Workplace Support Service. This is because the proposed new Parliamentary Workplace Support Service will integrate the functions of the existing entity.”
    Read this contribution in Hansard ↗

    Second reading speech Australian Labor Party • MP • 07 Sept 2023

    Gorman supports the bill and says it is part of the government's commitment to implement the Set the standardThe review report that recommended major changes to parliamentary workplace support and culture. recommendations and create a more professional, safe and respectful parliamentary workplace. He says the reforms will establish an independent support service with annual reporting and modernise the employment framework for parliamentary staff.

    “With those concluding comments, I commend the bill.”
    Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
  5. Carina Garland Garland supports the bill and says it is part of the overdue reforms flowing from the Set the StandardThe review report that recommended major changes to parliamentary workplace support and culture. review.
    “So to be able to support these bills today does a couple of things. It demonstrates that there is absolutely an appetite for change here in the parliament and to make things better for future generations of people who walk through the doors, whether as staff or as elected representatives or as guests to this building.”

    Australian Labor Party • MP • 07 Sept 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  6. Kate Thwaites Thwaites supports the bill as part of the wider parliamentary workplace reforms, saying it is important work to create stronger standards and safer workplaces.
    “I am really pleased to have the opportunity to speak briefly on these very important bills, the Parliamentary Workplace Support Service Bill 2023 and related bills, and reform for this parliament. Like so many others who have been in this place for some time now, I have been very clear that we need to do things differently here—that we cannot have a parliament that tolerates or allows for instances of bullying, sexual harassment and sexual assault to occur in this building and in Commonwealth parliamentary workplaces around the country. Fixing this is part of what this bill will do, so it is very, very important work for this parliament. It is important work about how we must do better.”

    Australian Labor Party • MP • 07 Sept 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗

Coalition

4 speakers · 3 support · 1 mixed

  1. Angus Taylor ★ Taylor says the opposition gives the bill in-principle support, but is reserving its final position while it seeks minor technical changes to improve how it works and provide clarity for staff.
    “While the measures in these bills have the in-principle support of the opposition, at this time the opposition will be reserving its position, noting that the Minister for Finance has committed to the shadow minister to consider some minor technical changes to this legislation to improve its operation and provide clarity for staff. The coalition in government and in opposition has consistently taken the approach that these matters should remain nonpartisan and dealt with by consensus, and the Labor Party has worked to do the same, particularly when reasonable and sensible compromise can be achieved. This is important and appreciated by the opposition, as we have consulted widely since the legislation was made public a month ago when it was introduced. The views of staff on these matters are paramount, and we appreciate that the minister recognised the hundreds of coalition staff who will be impacted by this new framework and the feedback from our staff that has been provided. We note the need for this legislation to pass soon to ensure it can achieve the scheduled start date of 1 October this year, and to that end we will assist with the passage of the bill while the discussions between the minister and the opposition continue.”

    Liberal Party • MP • 07 Sept 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  2. Jane Hume Hume supports the consequential amendmentsFollow-on law changes needed so other Acts and rules fit the new workplace support body. bill as part of the package to set up the new Parliamentary Workplace Support ServiceThe new body that takes over workplace support and complaint handling for parliamentary workplaces., saying it mainly provides continuity, removes the old determination and transfers work to the new body.
    “The Parliamentary Workplace Support Service (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2023 provides for some administrative and transitional measures. The first of these is to provide continuity of the current arrangements for the treatment of documents and records of the PWSS. These arrangements exist to support and engender trust and confidentiality in the PWSS and its processes following consultation with staff across the parliament under the former coalition government. The second measure is to remove the determination that established the current PWSS and the final measure will allow for the work of the current PWSS to be transferred to the new body following the closure of the old body.”

    Liberal Party • Senator • 14 Sept 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  3. Perin Davey Perin Davey supports the bill as part of the workplace reform package, saying the consequential amendmentsFollow-on law changes needed so other Acts and rules fit the new workplace support body. are needed to embed the new Parliamentary Workplace Support ServiceThe new body that takes over workplace support and complaint handling for parliamentary workplaces. and support the wider cultural changes recommended by the Jenkins review.
    “The consequential amendments that are provided for in the Parliamentary Workplace Support Service (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2023 cover off changes and transitional arrangements as the new PWSS is embedded. The last bill in this group, the Members of Parliament (Staff) Amendment Bill, amends certain sections of the act commonly referred to as the MOP(S) Act to improve transparency and clarify the employment framework for parliamentarians and their staff. This has been developed through the review of the MOP(S) Act which was undertaken by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet last October and will also help drive the cultural change in Commonwealth parliamentary workplaces”

    National Party • Senator • 14 Sept 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  4. James Stevens James Stevens says the opposition will support the bill and wants it to pass, while asking for minor sensible changes in the Senate.
    “I rise to express support for the Parliamentary Workplace Support Service Bill 2023 in the context of the point made by the lead speaker for the opposition that we want to see this move through the parliament. We know the start date of 1 October is one that's important, and he did note that there are some ongoing discussions between the opposition and the government that might see some changes or adjustments to the bill in the Senate. As the lead speaker, the member for Hume, said, we really want to make sure that legislation of this kind is bipartisan and in fact unanimous throughout the parliament and we want this to be an opportunity for an enduring reform that does contribute to dramatic improvements to the way in which staff are supported in the workplace. I'm very confident that this bill will achieve those objectives, but we hope that a couple of those discussions with the government yield good, sensible, minor adjustments that will be in the best interests of some observations that we've got from experience.”

    Liberal Party • MP • 07 Sept 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗

Greens

3 speakers · 3 support

  1. Larissa Waters Waters supports the bill and wants it passed, saying it is an important step toward an independent parliamentary workplace support serviceThe new body that takes over workplace support and complaint handling for parliamentary workplaces..
    “I'm very pleased that today, finally, after what seems a very long fortnight, we're getting to the PWSS bill and related bills. I very much look forward to their passage, which is expected today, and to an expedition of the independent parliamentary standards commission, which will give those codes of conduct teeth and finally complete the implementation of Set the standard.”

    Australian Greens • Senator • 14 Sept 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  2. Mehreen Faruqi Faruqi supports the bill as a positive step to create a proper workplace support service, but says it is only part of the needed reform.
    “This is a good start, but there's more to do, especially for the behaviour codes to be implemented and the enforcement mechanisms to be set up.”

    Australian Greens • Senator • 14 Sept 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  3. Adam Bandt Bandt supports the bill and says the parliamentary workplace reforms are overdue, welcome, and ready to pass now.
    “The accompanying changes to the MOPS Act will make improvements to the rights of our workers by requiring employment conditions to be publicly available and clarifying the triggers for automatic termination of employment. These are positive and overdue reforms to create a safer and more respectful workplace. Establishing an independent PWSS is a key recommendation of the Set the standard report, and it's already been delayed for too long. This bill has gone through all the due processes. It has taken account of feedback from staff and the unions. Now it is time to pass it so that staff and the community can see real action on the recommendations.”

    Australian Greens • MP • 07 Sept 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗

Minor parties and independents

5 speakers · 5 support

  1. Kylea Tink ★ Kylea Tink supports the bill, saying it is welcome progress because it gives effect to the Set the standardThe review report that recommended major changes to parliamentary workplace support and culture. recommendations by creating an independent workplace support service for Parliament.
    “While the Parliamentary Workplace Support Service Bill 2023 and its consequential amendments are welcome progress, I call on the government to reiterate its endorsement of the code of conduct for all parliamentarians and to ensure its implementation at pace.”

    Independent • MP • 07 Sept 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  2. Zali Steggall ★ Steggall supports the bill as an essential first step to make Parliament a safer workplace, because it modernises staff employment rules and creates an independent support service to improve handling of workplace issues.
    “Whilst there's a lot more to be done and more legislation to be implemented, I support these bills as an essential first step in making parliament a safer workplace.”

    Independent • MP • 07 Sept 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  3. Helen Haines Haines supports the bill as part of broader reforms to make Parliament a safe, respectful and professional workplace.
    “I rise today in support of the Parliamentary Workplace Support Service Bill 2023 and the Members of Parliament (Staff) Amendment Bill 2023. These bills are another significant step towards improving our parliamentary workplace culture.”

    Independent • MP • 07 Sept 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  4. Zoe Daniel Zoe Daniel supports the bill and says it is a necessary first step to make parliamentary workplaces safer and to drive further reforms.
    “I endorse the remarks of the member for Newcastle: squibbing it on this is not an option. This bill must pass. The further reforms must happen. This behaviour must change, for all of us.”

    Independent • MP • 07 Sept 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  5. Allegra Spender Spender supports the bill and says it is a welcome step toward better parliamentary workplace standards because it creates the new support service, implements the Set the standardThe review report that recommended major changes to parliamentary workplace support and culture. recommendations and behavioural codes, and moves Parliament toward an independent standards commission.
    “I welcome the Parliamentary Workplace Support Service Bill 2023, because what it achieves—the creation of the Parliamentary Workplace Support Service, the implementation of the Set the standard recommendations and the behavioural codes—are all steps towards ensuring that improved standards will persist, whether we have a minority government, a pandemic, a war or whatever else confronts the parliament. It takes us further on the journey towards an independent parliamentary standards commission which would permanently embed behaviour standards in parliament.”

    Independent • MP • 07 Sept 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗

Record

Full record

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