Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Public Service) Share this | Hansard source

by leave—The government agrees that the conduct and behaviour of senators in this place has deteriorated to an unacceptable level; however, we do not believe that a motion simply referring this matter to the Senate Standing Committee on Procedure is a solution to remedy that behaviour, so we will not be supporting part (a) of the motion. The recommendations of the Human Rights Commission's Set the standard report have been met with broad support in this place, particularly given the concerning findings that indicated that, as a parliament, we must do better.

Over the past few years, in response to this report, the Albanese government has reformed the frameworks that seek to improve workplace culture in this building. We, as elected members of this Senate, have a serious and enduring role to play in setting and upholding these standards, but it also means we must be conscious of the impacts of our behaviour and our words. When a senator behaves in a disorderly way, it's up to the chamber to manage this behaviour. I would also encourage those who are moving this motion today to reflect honestly about their own conduct towards others in this place.