Who we are
The Parliamentary Workplace Support Service (PWSS) is an independent, trusted HR and support service driving cultural change in Commonwealth parliamentary workplaces (CPW).
The establishment of the PWSS is in response to the Set the Standard: Report on the Independent Review into Commonwealth Parliamentary Workplaces. It is an independent statutory agency, and the CEO is not subject to direction by any person in relation to the functions of the PWSS.
Our structure: Parliamentary Workplace Support Service Organisation Chart - PDF 111 KB | DOCX 140 KB
What we do
We provide independent and confidential support to anyone who works or volunteers in a Commonwealth parliamentary workplace.
We provide a broad range of human resource advice and assistance to parliamentarians and Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984 (MOPS) employees, including:
- employment life-cycle matters such as job design, recruitment, probation, performance management, office structure and termination
- education, training and professional development
- work health and safety policy, compliance and incident management.
We also provide a range of trauma-informed support services and complaint resolution for all Commonwealth parliamentary workplace participants, including:
- counselling, early intervention, local resolution and mediation
- referral to specialised services
- support to make a police report.
Pending the establishment of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Commission, the PWSS will also maintain an expanded workplace review function.
Who can access the PWSS
The PWSS takes a 'no wrong door' approach and will ensure you speak to the right people to assist.
Parliamentarians and Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984 (MOPS) employees seeking advice or assistance with HR and WHS matters should contact the PWSS to access support, resources and policy advice as soon as a need is identified.
If you work or volunteer in any capacity in a Commonwealth parliamentary workplace, or did in the past, you can receive support or make a complaint about workplace conflict, serious incidents or misconduct involving other Commonwealth parliamentary workplace participants.
All managers and bystanders can also seek advice from the PWSS at any time.
You can choose to tell us your identity, use a pseudonym, or make an anonymous report to the PWSS and receive advice and support.
Contact us
You can contact the PWSS for trauma-informed counselling support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Phone: 1800 PH PWSS (1800 747 977)
Email: Support@PWSS.gov.au
Text: 0487 112 755
Our office: The PWSS office is located in M2.105 at Parliament House. The PWSS office is staffed from 8.30am–5pm AEST on non-sitting days and from 8.30am–8pm on sitting days. Please call, text or email and we will guide you to our discreet meeting rooms or arrange to meet you at a convenient location.
PWSS case coordinators are available to meet with you face-to-face or virtually at a time that suits you.