In October 2024, the Australian Parliament passed a resolution to endorse:
- a Behaviour Code for staff employed under the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984 (MOP(S) Act)
- a Behaviour Code for Australian Parliamentarians, and
- Behaviour Standards for Commonwealth Parliamentary Workplaces.
The Special Minister of State also signed a determination bringing the MOP(S) Act Staff Behaviour Code into effect.
Together, these Codes and Standards recognise that parliamentarians and their staff share responsibility for fostering Commonwealth Parliamentary Workplaces that uphold the highest standards of integrity, dignity, safety and mutual respect.
The Independent Parliamentary Standards Commission (IPSC)
The Independent Parliamentary Standards Commission (IPSC) is an independent body responsible for enforcing the Behaviour Codes and Standards.
The IPSC receives disclosures and complaints about suspected breaches of the Codes and Standards and may investigate matters within its jurisdiction.
If you have experienced or witnessed conduct that may breach the Behaviour Codes and Standards, you can make a complaint to the IPSC by emailing enquiry@ipsc.gov.au. If you would like to speak to a member of the Office about your complaint, the process or if you have any questions, please call 1800 014 772.