Who we are
The Parliamentary Workplace Support Service (PWSS) is an independent and confidential service for everyone who works or volunteers in a Commonwealth Parliamentary workplace, who has been impacted by serious incidents or misconduct, or workplace conflict that amounts to a work health and safety risk.
We provide support services, early intervention, local resolution and an external complaint review service, where appropriate. The PWSS is staffed by highly skilled, trained case coordinators with expertise in trauma-informed support, social work and counselling.
The PWSS is a function of the Parliamentary Service Commissioner.
The Parliamentary Service Commissioner’s annual report includes the PWSS annual report: Parliamentary Service Commissioner Report 2021-22.
Our structure: Parliamentary Workplace Support Service Organisation Chart - PPTX 70 KB | PDF 43 KB
What we do
We provide independent and confidential support to anyone who works or volunteers in a Commonwealth parliamentary workplace.
We provide trauma informed support, early intervention and local resolution to anyone who works or volunteers in a Commonwealth parliamentary workplace who has been impacted by serious incidents or misconduct, or workplace conflict that amounts to a work health and safety risk.
We receive complaints of serious incidents or misconduct, and workplace conflict that amounts to a work health and safety risk and, where appropriate provide an independent workplace review mechanism for matters involving current and former, MOPS Act employees and parliamentarians.
Our case coordinators will listen to you and give you immediate support and advice on options going forward. Where appropriate, we can:
- support you to find a local resolution to your concerns
- refer you to more appropriate or specialised services
- support you to make a police report.
We provide education and contribute to improving workplace conduct in Commonwealth parliamentary workplaces.
Who can access the PWSS
Our support services—including early intervention and resolution services—are available to anyone who works or volunteers in a Commonwealth parliamentary workplace for incidents connected to the workplace.
If you work or volunteer in a Commonwealth parliamentary workplace, or did in the past, you can receive support or register a complaint in relation to serious incident or misconduct, and workplace conflict that amounts to a work health and safety risk, including those involving other building occupants.
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 support.
MOPS Act employees and parliamentarians may have access to the PWSS’ independent workplace review mechanism.
Contact us
You can contact the PWSS 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.