Greek Australian South Australian MP Connie Bonaros has accused the state’s parliament of having a “toxic” culture of bullying and harassment, despite the changes made to tackle those issues.
Bonaros spoke with the ABC, saying people are still approaching her “all the time” for advice on dealing with harassment, two-and-a-half years on from a review by the state’s Equal Opportunity Commissioner (EOC).
The review was launched after allegations that former liberal MP Sam Duluk behaved inappropriately towards Bonaros, but he was found not guilty in court in 2021. Months before the trial he issues an apology for his behaviour.
“It makes me angry, and it makes me upset,” she said.
“I have people reaching out to me for help, and I try my best every time … [and] I try my best to point them in the right direction to get them the help that they need.
“We are supposed to set the gold standard, and we simply haven’t.”
In 2021, the review found that sexual harassment was prevalent in the SA parliament.
Allegations included sexually suggestive comments, indecent exposure, and physical assault.
16 recommendations were made by the EOC but Bonaros says she’s not “privy to any direct changes” that had occurred to make the parliament a “safe workplace”.
“This isn’t about me, it’s about the people who work in this building, and it’s about being respected and being safe at work,” she said.
“This has been a toxic boys club for a very long time … [and] there are these cultural issues that continue to linger and go unaddressed.”
In May, a progress update was tabled that pointed to significant changes, with Commissioner for Public Sector Employment Erma Ranieri telling ABC she believes “a lot of work” has been done and they’re “on the right track.”
Early next year, a three-year long progress update is due on all 16 recommendations.
