THE HON. MARK DREYFUS QC, MP
SHADOW ATTORNEY-GENERAL
SHADOW MINISTER FOR THE ARTS
MEMBER FOR ISAACS
STILL NO SEX DISCRIMINATION COMMISSIONER AS TURNBULL FAILS ON BRIGGS BEHAVIOUR
Malcolm Turnbull's decision to leave the position of Sex Discrimination Commissioner empty for more than four months is nothing short of disgraceful.
It shows that Malcolm Turnbull says one thing about tackling discrimination against women and does the exact opposite.
Former Commissioner Elizabeth Broderick left the position on 3 September 2015. The Government was aware for an entire year previously that she would be leaving.
For more than four months, women suffering discrimination - in the workplace or elsewhere - have had no advocate. That's unacceptable.
On 1 October last year, Attorney-General George Brandis said an announcement on the position will be made shortly.
In November, Brandis told the Senate that he was delighted to be able to tell you that an announcement will be made very soon.
It is now January 2016.
Its clear this isn't a priority for Mr Turnbull or the Liberal Government - and that is a disgrace for women everywhere.
Mr Turnbull's lack of action on filling this position is matched by his abysmal failure to show leadership on the Briggs/Dutton debacle.
Hes still refusing to condemn the disgraceful behaviour of Jamie Briggs in taking the photo of this female public servant and sending it around.
His refusal to have an investigation into which MP breached the female public servants privacy by leaking the photo shows the lengths the Prime Minister will go to sweep this under the carpet.
Its all very well to talk about tackling discrimination against women and stronger Ministerial standards this farce shows Malcolm Turnbull is failing on both those fronts.
WEDNESDAY, 6 JANUARY 2016
