Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Commissioners appointed to oversee Parliamentary behaviour

The Victorian Government is ensuring the State’s parliament operates with the highest standards of accountability, conduct and integrity – appointing two inaugural Commissioners to the Parliamentary Workplace Standards and Integrity Commission. 

David Wolf has been appointed as Chair and Commissioner, with Natasha de Silva to serve as a sessional Commissioner for the next five years.

“This commission is delivering the most significant overhaul of parliamentary oversight in the country and will hold parliamentarians to the highest standards,” said Premier, Jacinta Allan.

“I congratulate the inaugural Commissioners on their appointment. Their work is essential – as everyone has the right to feel safe and respected at work – no matter who you are or what you do.”

The Commission will deal with allegations of misconduct by MPs, Ministers, and Parliamentary Secretaries including bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and victimisation – providing an independent process for complaints to be heard and addressed.

Mr Wolf is currently Deputy Commissioner at the Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC), where he has led the public sector portfolio since 2020.

He also worked with Victoria’s first Chief Municipal Inspector as the head of the Local Government Inspectorate.

Ms de Silva is a former senior executive at the Australian Human Rights Commission, working with the former Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Kate Jenkins, on the Independent Review into Commonwealth Parliamentary Workplaces.

She has experience in confidential investigations of misconduct and is recognised nationally and internationally for her expertise in human rights, gender equality, and discrimination.

The Commission is supported by Parliamentary Workplace Standards and Integrity Act 2024 and draws on the groundbreaking work of the Australian Human Rights Commission’s Jenkins Report.

Mr Wolf will commence in his role on 2 January 2025 with Ms de Silva commencing on 6 January 2025.

“I look forward to working with my co-commissioner Ms de Silva to ensure all MPs conduct themselves to the highest standards — as is their obligation as elected representatives of the people of Victoria,” said Mr Wolf.

More information about the Commission is available at vic.gov.au/PWSIC.

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