Scott Morrison has apologised to former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins as well as others exploited, abused and harassed in federal parliament.
The prime minister said sorry as part of a landmark apology and acknowledgement delivered on the floor of parliament on Tuesday.
“I am sorry. We are sorry. I am sorry to Ms Higgins for the terrible things that took place here,” Mr Morrison said.
“The place that should have been a place for safety and contribution turned out to be a nightmare.
“Over many decades, the culture that perpetuated web bullying, abuse, harassment and in some cases even violence became normalised.
“This has to change. It is changing, and I believe it will change.”
Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese thanked Ms Higgins for her courage in speaking out.
Her allegation a year ago about her alleged 2019 rape in a minister’s office sparked multiple reviews of federal parliament’s culture.
“We owe a debt of gratitude to everyone in this building as well as every former staff member who stepped up to share their experiences of workplace bullying and misconduct,” the Labor leader said.
The leaders’ apologies followed a statement by House of Representatives Speaker Andrew Wallace acknowledging harassment, assault and bullying across Commonwealth parliamentary workplaces.
It was one of 28 recommendations in a review by Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins. About one third of staff surveyed had been sexually harassed on the job.
Mr Wallace said parliament had failed to make meaningful change to cultures and practices in the past, but would listen to people who had participated in commissioner Jenkins’ review.
“Parliamentary workers feel pride in working for the country and the privilege and honour of making a difference or the Australian people. However, for far too many, it has not been safe or respectful,” he said.
“While we know we cannot undo the harm that has already been done, we are committed to acknowledging the mistakes of the past, and continuing to build safe and respectful workplaces.”
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