Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to speak on the implementation of the Set the standard report, and I'd like to start by thanking the ministers, leaders and senators who have spoken on this very important topic today. I'd also like to acknowledge those who are speaking similarly in the other place. Today marks one year since the parliament acknowledged the report by Commissioner Kate Jenkins entitled Set the standard, and that is what we've been asked to do—set the standard. We serve in this place in positions of influence. Every parliamentarian works incredibly hard, but to be chosen by the electorate is indeed a privilege. It's up to all of us to set the standard for our colleagues, our staff, those who enter our workplaces and those who participate in our democracy. Speaking here today, I want to address our staff directly. As I've said before, this is your workplace; you deserve nothing less than a completely safe and respectful workplace.

I want to particularly acknowledge the work of my colleagues in this place on the Parliamentary Leadership Taskforce, Senator Gallagher, Senator Hume and Senator Waters, who all worked very hard in that role. I should point out that I was the only male on that task force. I also want to acknowledge those on the Joint Select Committee on Parliamentary Standards and those who contributed to the various reviews, and I acknowledge the Parliamentary Workplace Support Service for its ongoing work and contribution. We have made progress in this place; that should be acknowledged, but there is much more to do, and this government is committed to continuing this work.