Page 1822 - Week 06 - Thursday, 14 May 2015

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The report outlines that the RED framework has set the foundation in the ACTPS to identify and act upon unacceptable workplace behaviour. It confirms that the RED framework has been successfully embedded, that it is a known brand and that it has created a common language to discuss workplace behaviour across the public service. The report leaves little doubt that a culture has been developed across the public service where the principles of respect, equity and diversity are present in everyday business.

There is, however, always room to grow. The report found that it is now time to align the RED framework with the one service model and the ACT public service code of conduct and to build on the framework’s early successes by providing practical tools to further prevent inappropriate workplace behaviour. In this context, a whole-of-government working group has been convened to steer the implementation of these and other recommendations, and it is driving much of the work that I will outline.

Firstly, in regard to the committee’s particular interests, the report found the preventing work bullying guidelines have proven to be a highly valuable resource in creating and maintaining positive and safe working environments. They are currently being reviewed and updated to reflect best practice and to ensure that they remain modern and comprehensive. Work is also being undertaken to improve the reporting of bullying and misconduct incidents in the ACTPS state of the service report. These changes will facilitate a more streamlined and centralised approach to incident reporting.

MADAM DEPUTY SPEAKER: Mr Barr, could you resume your seat for a moment. Members, if you want to have discussions amongst yourselves, would you please go out into the anteroom. Sometimes I can hardly concentrate on what Mr Barr is saying. Thank you. Mr Barr.

MR BARR: They are all attentive now. As I was saying, work is being undertaken to improve the reporting of bullying and misconduct incidents in the state of the service report, and these changes will facilitate a more streamlined and centralised approach to incident reporting.

Ongoing training on the principles of respect, equity and diversity is a key component in maintaining a positive workplace culture. To support this, work is underway to further embed the code of conduct and the RED framework into whole-of-government induction material delivered to new employees. RED training, which is available to all employees, is being reviewed to ensure consistent messaging is being delivered across the public service. Training specifically delivered to RED contact officers is also captured in this review to further clarify their roles and their reporting requirements.

The challenge for the public service is to continue to build on its strength as a unique service—to operate as a single dynamic organisation which is agile, responsive and innovative in delivering the government’s priorities and in delivering excellent

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