An outspoken cabinet minister has challenged all federal politicians to undertake sexual harassment training.
The training was introduced after former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins alleged she was raped inside Parliament House.
At the time, Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews said she’d had a gutful of the workplace culture in parliament.
The one-hour training sessions will be optional for politicians and staff.
Ms Andrews challenged all parliamentarians to take part.
“I would be encouraging every single politician in this building to make sure they at least attend that hour of training,” she said.
“I will be making sure I am attending, they should go out and do that.
“That will be a pretty clear demonstration of their commitment, and they should be held to that.”
Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins has released a progress report into the workplace culture inside Parliament House.
Ms Jenkins has so far been contacted by 345 participants, almost three-quarters of them women.
The overwhelming majority of participants work or have worked for Commonwealth politicians.
Sixteen current or former federal parliamentarians have come forward to share their stories, along with eight volunteers, interns or students.
The commission has conducted 222 interviews and booked a further 125, while an online survey and focus group meetings will also take place.
Submissions close at the end of July and focus groups will finish in early August.
Ms Jenkins is expected to provide her final report to the government in November.
AAP
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