Behaviour Codes and Standards

In October 2024, the Australian Parliament passed a resolution to endorse: 

• a Behaviour Code for staff employed under the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984 (MOP(S) Act)
• a Behaviour Code for Australian Parliamentarians, and 
• Behaviour Standards for Commonwealth Parliamentary Workplaces. 

The Special Minister of State also signed a determination bringing the Behaviour Code for staff employed under the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984 (MOP(S) Act) into effect. 

The Codes recognise that Parliamentarians and their staff have a shared responsibility to ensure that Commonwealth Parliamentary Workplaces meet the highest standards of integrity, dignity, safety and mutual respect. 

You can learn more about the Codes by watching a short online education session at your convenience. Alternatively, you can request our facilitators to deliver an in-person session for your office by emailing training@pwss.gov.au.

A range of guidance materials on the Behaviour Codes and Standards, including posters, bookmarks and factsheets, are also available. 

The Independent Parliamentary Standards Commission (IPSC) 

The IPSC is an independent workplace investigation and sanctions framework that enforce the Behaviour Codes and Standards. The IPSC can receive disclosures and complaints in relation to suspected breaches.