Finance and Public Administration References Committee

Fatima Payman

I move:

That the following matter be referred to the Finance and Public Administration References Committee for inquiry and report by 27 October 2025:

The development of a fair and independent staffing model for allocating personal staff that reflects the diversity of representation, as elected by the Australian people, and addresses staff wellbeing and sustainability of workload.

Anthony Chisholm

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Sue Lines

Leave is granted for one minute.

Anthony Chisholm

The government will be opposing this motion. We've been through this before. The Independent Review of Resourcing in Parliamentarian Offices was an independent review, handled independently. The final report of this review was released on 1 August. The government has already agreed in principle to all 10 recommendations and will work with all parliamentarians on our response and reform. I know that the Special Minister of State is, as always, available to engage with those acting in good faith on this issue.

Larissa Waters

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Sue Lines

Leave is granted for one minute.

Larissa Waters

We welcomed the Senate's support earlier today for my amendment that called on the government to work with all elected groups and individuals in the parliament to develop a fair and independent staffing model for allocating personal staff that reflects the diversity of representation as elected by the Australian people and addresses staff wellbeing and sustainability of workload. The right way to do that is not to send this matter to a Liberal-controlled Senate committee.

Politicians' pay and entitlements aren't decided by a Senate committee, and staffing levels and welfare shouldn't be either. The independent PWSS ran a review of staff resourcing and supports earlier this year, and 500 staff participated in that review. The review made 10 key recommendations, and I'm pleased that the government has committed to implementing those. The Greens will be focused on ensuring that that does in fact occur. I've written to the Special Minister of State asking for a timetable for implementing the Independent Review of Resourcing in Parliamentarian Offices and asking for PWSS to take note of our second reading amendment on staff wellbeing.

Paul Scarr

I seek leave to make a very short statement.

Hon. Senators

Honourable senators interjecting—

Paul Scarr

No, I'm supporting it, but I just want to answer one of the points.

Sue Lines

Well, it's not a debating point, Senator Scarr. The question is that business of the Senate notice of motion No. 1 standing in the name of Senator Payman be agreed to.