Parliament will soon have an independent watchdog to investigate politicians' behaviour and improve the workplace culture.
Parliament Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
The Commissioner for Parliamentary Standards will receive, investigate and resolve confidential complaints about the conduct of MPs.
The role has been adopted by the Parliamentary Service Commission following consultation with parliamentary staff and the public.
It is the latest step taken as part of the sector's commitment to improving the toxic work environment, laid out in the 2019 Francis report.
Speaker of the House Trevor Mallard said the commissioner would offer services to facilitate resolution of the complaint or carry out an inquiry into it.
"The nature of Parliament means there are power imbalances here, and we must keep them in check.
"Establishing this role guarantees another channel through which staff can confidentially raise concerns about members' conduct."
The Commissioner for Parliamentary Standards will be appointed for a five-year term by the Speaker, on the recommendation of the Parliamentary Service Commission and in consultation with party leaders.
"Anyone who works in the parliamentary workplace will be able to escalate a confidential complaint to the Commissioner, who will be independent from all parties, Government, Parliament and agencies. The Commissioner will offer services to facilitate resolution of the complaint or conduct an inquiry into it," Mallard said.
"Accountability is a crucial part of this process, so while all complaints will be confidential and complainants can remain anonymous, the Commissioner will produce a report on the number of complaints received and their outcomes every year, including where there are systemic issues."
