Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet deputy secretary Stephanie Foster will also look at the formal processes and links between the Department of Finance and parliamentary staff.
The reviews come after former staffer Brittany Higgins toldnews.com.au and the Ten Network’sThe Project on Monday she was sexually assaulted by another ministerial adviser in March 2019 in Defence Minister Linda Reynolds’ ministerial office,where they both worked.
Ms Higgins on Tuesday welcomed the “first step” and said reviews were well overdue.
“There needs to be an independent reporting mechanism for staff where they can confidently and safely make complaints – similar to processes in many other workplaces in Australia and abroad,” she said in a statement.
“A clear path forward is now required – and that includes a comprehensive review to the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act to ensure adequate protections for staff.”
Mr Morrison said the Prime Minister and Cabinet review would consider whether incidents involving alleged assault should be immediately referred to the Finance Department,which is the technical employer,“so there is an arm’s-length arrangement”.