On 30 November 2021, the report on the Independent Review into Commonwealth Parliamentary Workplaces (Set the standard) was released by the Sex Discrimination Commissioner. The review, which had been commissioned following allegations of sexual assault in Parliament House, examined the culture of Commonwealth parliamentary workplaces with the aim of ensuring the Parliament is safe and respectful and reflects best practice in the prevention and handling of bullying, harassment and sexual assault.

The report made 28 recommendations aimed at fostering safe, diverse and inclusive Commonwealth parliamentary workplaces, as well as shared accountability for change. Two of these recommendations (recommendations 10 and 27) fall within the scope of the Procedure Committee’s activities, which is established each Parliament to inquire into and report on the practices and procedures of the House of Representatives. The Committee is focused on the standing orders, parliamentary practice and procedure, and the work of the Chamber.

Report structure:

• Chapter 2 of the report provides background to the inquiry and the recommendations of Set the standard.
• Chapter 3 is focused on everyday respect in the Chamber and discusses the standing orders relating to order and disorder, the role of the Speaker and current sanctions for disorderly conduct. This chapter examines the practice and procedure of other parliaments, sets out the evidence received during the inquiry about language and behaviour in the Chamber, and makes recommendations for amendments to the standing orders. Finally, this chapter looks at the training and guidance materials available to Members.
• Chapter 4 considers the sitting calendar and order of business, outlines the history of the days and hours of sittings, and discusses other provisions the House has made to improve the flexibility of the Chamber. This chapter sets out the evidence received and the range of perspectives the Committee heard about the sitting calendar and hours of sittings.
• Chapter 5 discusses other proposals that were considered during the inquiry to improve safety and respect in the Chamber.