The Parliamentary Leadership Taskforce met on 21 November 2023.
The Taskforce welcomed Ms Michelle Wicks, the Acting CEO of the Parliamentary Workplace Support Service (PWSS), who provided an update on progress of establishing the PWSS as an independent statutory entity from 1 October 2023. Ms Wicks also outlined the initial priorities of the PWSS in providing a multidisciplinary, client centred service supporting Commonwealth parliamentary workplace participants. The Taskforce thanked Ms Wicks for her service and congratulated her on her impending retirement, and noted the arrangements underway for appointing a new PWSS CEO.
The Taskforce noted an update on the range of work undertaken to improve access and inclusion in Commonwealth parliamentary workplaces including:
- an audit of the physical infrastructure and accessibility in other Commonwealth parliamentary workplaces, including Electorate Offices and Commonwealth Parliament Offices
- a review of Commonwealth Parliament Offices in line with Australian Breastfeeding Association Guidelines
- Parliamentary Department reviews of policies and practices and commitment to ongoing collaboration on diversity and inclusion activities, and
- a ‘dignified access’ review of Australian Parliament House (currently underway).
The Taskforce noted an update on the range of existing and enhanced services to support health and wellbeing in Commonwealth parliamentary workplaces. Available services to support the health and wellbeing of Parliamentarians and staff will soon be promoted to everyone in Commonwealth parliamentary workplaces. The Taskforce noted that there was more work to be conducted and sought further updates on this work.
The next meeting will be held in late January 2024.
A progress report on recommendations can be found in a refreshed Implementation Tracker – 21 November 2023