Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Waters for her question. It's essential in matters such as this that the support provided to employees, members of parliament or any other individual in this building is support that is timely, is effective and is ongoing or enduring wherever necessary. It's important that, in ensuring that we can provide such support to individuals, everyone has confidence in the processes, support and systems that are available to them. That's why the Prime Minister has asked in particular the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet to assist and advise on how those processes can work to support people.

It is my full expectation that, in relation to the conduct of that work, Ms Foster, the deputy secretary, will engage with Kate Jenkins, the Sex Discrimination Commissioner and author of the report Respect@Work: national inquiry into sexual harassment in Australian workplaces. I also note that in the other place the Prime Minister has indicated a willingness and openness to working with party leaders across the parliament in relation to how these processes can be strengthened, including the type of work that Ms Foster will undertake and any additional assistance or work alongside her that will be necessary.