Motions

Member for Waite

Adjourned debate on motion of Hon. T.A. Franks:

That this council notes that the Speaker’s inquiry into the end of year corridor events on and around 13 December 2019 have now been suspended for well over a year.

(Continued from 8 September 2021.)

The Hon. I. PNEVMATIKOS (16:43): I rise today to support the Hon. Tammy Franks' motion and once again place on the record my disgust at the actions of the member for Waite and others. I would like to thank the Hon. Tammy Franks for bringing this motion to the house and thank her for sharing stories that would have otherwise never been heard.

I do not intend to speak at length on this as I have already shared my view on the terrible and inadequate practices this workplace has in dealing with issues of sexual assault, bullying and harassment. But I do want to share my disappointment and anger at the Speaker's decision to not proceed with the inquiry into the end-of-year corridor events on and around 13 December 2019. It has been nearly two years since that Christmas party. For nearly two years now, we have waited for consequences and action. We have had several strategies in place to address the issues: the court proceeding, the joint committee and the inquiry commenced by the Speaker.

Although the progress on these three actions was slow, we were at least hopeful that change would occur, particularly when the Speaker announced the inquiry. Unlike the court case, there was a sense with the inquiry that all incidents that occurred at both the crossbench Christmas party and the Liberal Christmas party would be addressed. But that feeling of justice was short lived. Now the Speaker is forgoing his obligations as head of this workplace to investigate workplace incidents that have impacted upon a number of staff. The Speaker's actions once again place the onus back on those who have been affected and hurt by the actions of the member for Waite.

As the Hon. Tammy Franks mentioned last sitting week, those who experience the trauma of sexual harassment can often feel the effects of depression and anxiety for survivors. We know that survivors of sexual assault and abuse or trauma events can often benefit from sharing their stories. An investigation would have meant that survivors would be able to tell their story: they would be heard, someone would listen and the parliament would have to act, but now we are left with nothing.

The cancellation of this investigation basically signals to everyone involved that the actions of the member for Waite were fine and that there should be no consequence. It says that because the courts did not find one of the actions of that night criminal that means there is nothing more to do here. It says that it does not matter if you felt offended, violated or degraded, the actions of the member for Waite are acceptable. Well, that is unacceptable. In any other workplace a proper investigation would be undertaken.

I stand by the Hon. Tammy Franks' remarks made last week regarding the member for Waite's actions. Many of us in this chamber and the other place have heard staff and other members recount that night. I can confirm that I have also heard from some who attended the parties that racist, homophobic and sexist remarks and actions were made by the member for Waite, and I can confirm that I have also heard about the Liberal staffer's unacceptable actions and those complicit while witnessing unthinkable actions.

Following the Hon. Tammy Franks' speech in this chamber, the member for Waite said her comments were outrageous and salacious, designed to cause him maximum political damage. I am not sure what the member for Waite expected to happen when his actions became public. His actions were outrageous and salacious, and his actions have led to his own political downfall. It is incredible that the member for Waite went on to say that he still feels as though he can give the parliament the dignity that it deserves. Those days are long passed.

The member for Waite and others have accused us of using parliamentary privilege to get away with making these claims. If you look at the evidence, logically why would survivors come forward? Why would survivors come forward after seeing the way the court case unfolded? Why would a survivor come forward when they are in a vulnerable position, when they are fearful of losing their job, when they fear losing their position within a political party, when they fear they could lose their whole career?

The member for Waite is completely ignorant of the privileged position he has and has zero regard for the unjust power structures in this place that disincentivise staff to speak out on this matter. His comments are a slap in the face to anyone in this place who was victim to his actions. They were a slap in the face to anyone who has been at the hands of abuse and harassment.

There are many in this chamber who heard the exact same things that the Hon. Tammy Franks has shared. There are some in this chamber who witnessed what occurred. Your complacency and complicity are noticed by everyone around you, and do not think it will go unnoticed by those outside this place. This issue is more than one of politics, it is one of character and integrity. This government has gone to extraordinary lengths to silence survivors. Again, this government has chosen to bury the problem rather than admit the system is broken and fix it. Survivors deserve better. Workers deserve better. South Australians deserve better.

Debate adjourned on motion of Hon. D.G.E. Hood.