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Behaviour Codes and Standards

The Behaviour Codes and Standards recognise that parliamentarians and staff have a shared responsibility to ensure that Commonwealth parliamentary workplaces meet the highest standards of integrity, dignity safety and respect.

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 Behaviour Code for staff employed under the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984 (MOP(S) Act) into effect.

You can learn more about the Codes by watching a short online education session at your convenience. Alternatively, you can request PWSS Learning & Development facilitators deliver an in-person session for your office.

A range of guidance materials on the Behaviour Codes and Standards, including posters, bookmarks and factsheets, are also available.

The Independent Parliamentary Standards Commission (IPSC) 

The IPSC is an independent workplace investigation and sanctions framework that enforces the Behaviour Codes and Standards for Commonwealth parliamentary workplace participants. The IPSC can receive disclosures and complaints in relation to suspected breaches from people in Commonwealth parliamentary workplaces. Members of the public are NOT eligible to submit complaints under the Parliamentary Workplace Support Service Act 2023 (the Act). Additionally, complaints must be submitted in writing by Commonwealth parliamentary workplace participants as defined by the Act. 

Codes and Standards

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Behaviour Standards for Commonwealth Parliamentary Workplaces

Every person who works in or visits a Commonwealth parliamentary workplace contributes to and creates the workplace culture. The Behaviour Standards apply to all people, including members of the public, who are in a parliamentary workplace.
Factsheet

Behaviour Code for Australian Parliamentarians

The Behaviour Code for Australian Parliamentarians sets out expectations for how parliamentarians engage with others in the course of their work, while recognising parliamentary privilege.

Behaviour Codes and Standards training

The Behaviour Codes and Standards for Commonwealth Parliamentary Workplaces module is available via the PWSS Academy and facilitated by the PWSS Learning and Development team. Participants will gain an understanding on the appropriate codes of conduct.

This module aims to provide :

  • an overview of legislation 

  • explain the role and delegated powers of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Commission (IPSC)

This training program addresses recommendations 21 and 22 of the Set the Standard: Report on the Independent Review into Commonwealth Parliamentary Workplaces. 

Register here
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Resources on Behaviour Codes and Standards

These resources are designed to be visual reminders that all parliamentarians and their staff have a shared responsibility to ensure that Commonwealth parliamentary workplaces meet the highest standards of integrity, dignity, safety and mutual respect.

Related resources

Poster

Support available to MOP(S) Act Employees

Support contacts available to staff of Parliamentarians or anyone employeed under the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984 (MOP(S) Act) Including EAP, Before Blue, PWSS Academy

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Related courses

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