The chief of staff to Richard Marles is suing the federal government, the deputy prime minister, and the prime minister’s chief of staff over claims she was forced out of the office for raising a bullying complaint.
Jo Tarnawsky has launched legal action in the federal court for “adverse actions” against her, claiming she was punished after she allegedly complained to Mr Marles about reported bullying behaviour by colleagues in her office. She did not suggest Mr Marles had bullied her or any other member of his staff.
The career public servant said after raising the issue she remained employed under the defence minister but was locked out of the office and prevented from doing her job.
Ms Tarnawsky is still employed in the leadership role but is on “miscellaneous leave”.
A spokesperson for Mr Marles previously said that a number of those assertions and recollections were contested.
Delivering a statement from Parliament House, Ms Tarnawsky said to her knowledge there had still been no investigation into the alleged behaviours she reported.
“It has now been more than 200 days since I raised my concerns privately with the deputy prime minister about bullying behaviour in his office. I was then exiled as a result,” she said.
“My workplace situation remains unresolved. Not a single member of the government has reached out to check on my wellbeing.
“After the window dressing of parliamentary workplace reforms has been put in place, the government is testing in real time what it can get away with.”
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