John Faulkner (NSW, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I appreciate this opportunity to speak very briefly on the final report of the Senate Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee inquiry into the performance of the Department of Parliamentary Services. In the very limited time available to me this afternoon, I want to stress the significance of this inquiry and the importance of its recommendations. I believe that this was an essential inquiry for the Senate committee system to undertake. By just simply holding this inquiry and listening to and treating seriously the concerns of so many DPS employees and others who have a very genuine interest in this building, much has already been achieved.

While I do not have time to speak in detail about the myriad complex issues canvassed in this report, suffice to say significant change in DPS, which I have previously accurately described as the worst administered government department I have seen in the time I have served in the parliament, is long overdue. I am delighted that the committee, its inquiry process and this report have been the catalyst for change in DPS. There is much to do, but we are starting to right the wrongs.

I also want to acknowledge the courage of those who have given evidence or submissions, including a significant number of confidential submissions. They have been absolutely critical in exposing the toxic culture that was allowed to develop in the Department of Parliamentary Services. The finance and public administration committee's secretariat has produced two outstanding reports—the one tabled today on behalf of the committee by Senator Polley and the interim report into the performance of DPS which preceded it. I too thank all those involved for their efforts. I know that they have made a real difference. I think responsibility now rests with the government—but not only the government, all of us who serve in the parliament—to ensure that the recommendations in this report are accepted and the positive changes we have seen in DPS in recent times continue into the future. I commend the report to the Senate.

Question agreed to.