Senate Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee, , 7:57:36 to 7:59:27
Dr. Steven Kennedy expresses shock at the attack on Dr. Helen Haines and introduces the Department's submission regarding parliamentary standards and the health and safety of public servants.
Topics: Prime Minister and Cabinet, Workplace culture
Speakers: Dr Steven Kennedy, Senator Karen Grogan
>> Thank you, Minister Wong. Dr. Kennedy, would you care to make an opening statement?
>> Uh, yes. Thank you, Chair. >> Thank you, Chair. I'd like to make a brief opening statement. I am Steven Kennedy, Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Other members of prime minister and cabinet's executive are also in attendance for this session. A detailed list of witnesses attending has been provided to the committee secretariat and I have PMC's organization chart available for the committee should you wish it to be I understand the committee wishes to discuss the secretary's board submission to the parliamentary joint committee on parliamentary standards as part of its inquiry into the operation and effectiveness of behavior codes and standards in Commonwealth parliamentary workplaces. I'm pleased to be here to answer those Before I do so, can I express on behalf of the Australian public service my shock and dismay at what occurred in Wangora last Monday? On behalf of the Australian public service, we hope the me member for Indai, Dr. Helen Haines, whose recovery is as full and speedy as it can be. I would also like to make some remarks about the circumstances and views surrounding ministers, parliamentarians, and high office holders at this time. Mostly through my career, I have observed a healthy engagement between the public and elected officials. One that from the public's perspective can be skeptical, but is also respectful, curious, and open. Sadly, in more recent years, I have seen a substantial lift in unacceptable behavior directed towards elected officials, especially women. Social