Deputy PM's top staffer claims she was 'bullied out' of her job
Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles’ chief of staff Jo Tarnawsky claims she was ousted from the job after seeking help over alleged bullying by her colleagues, leaving her suffering from panic attacks and suicidal thoughts.
Marles himself is not accused of bullying but Tarnawsky, a former diplomat and one of the most senior women in the government, claims he shunted her aside in April despite never previously taking issue with her performance.
At an emotional press conference in Parliament House on Thursday, Tarnawsky said she had been left “broken” by the alleged bullying but was motivated to go public by her daughter. “She said, ‘Mum, maybe if you told people the truth maybe [that] would help you.’”
“I am being bullied out of a job I loved that I was doing well,” Tarnawsky claimed. “It was a job that I dreamed of having since I first visited Parliament House as a child.
“I am the most senior female chief of staff on the hill, and my workplace is not safe.”
She did not set out a specific aim for going public and her solicitor, Michael Bradley of Marque Lawyers, has not lodged a legal claim on her behalf. Instead, she said she wanted “accountability”.
Jo Tarnawsky at a press conference at Parliament House on Thursday morning.Credit: AAP
Tarnawsky, who had worked for Marles when Labor was last in government, became his chief of staff soon after the party won government in 2022, and he became defence minister. She said she had just travelled with the deputy prime minister on a high-stakes and logistically difficult trip to Ukraine and raised concerns about the behaviour of other staff when Marles called her.
“He called me and in direct response to the concerns I had raised, he made it clear that I should start looking for alternative employment,” Tarnawsky alleged.
“Any of my attempts to resolve the issue or to discuss it in person were refused. He demanded that I take several weeks of leave immediately.
“I was shocked, but he assured me that I had not been stood down and that I would be treated with total dignity. He said: ‘Trust me, I know how to handle this.’
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles’ spokesperson issued a statement disputing unspecified parts of Jo Tarnawsky’s claims.Credit: Alex Ellinghausen
Tarnawsky alleged that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s chief of staff, Tim Gartrell, had told her in June that she would not be able to return to Marles’ office. She said she remained officially employed there but is unable to access her own office without giving 24 hours’ notice. A spokeswoman for the prime minister and Tim Gartrell declined to comment, while the prime minister said he was “aware of it, and I was briefed on it” in response to a question at the ASEAN Summit in Laos.
“The acting prime minister has responded to this publicly, and due to the nature of it, I don’t intend to add any further comments,” Albanese said.
Tarnawsky and Bradley did not say what the alleged bullying was but said she had been in contact with the Parliamentary Workplace Support Service (PWSS).
Marles, the deputy prime minister and defence minister, is acting as prime minister while Anthony Albanese is overseas in Laos for the ASEAN summit. He was due to speak at a prostate cancer event in Parliament House at lunchtime on Thursday but did not attend.
Marles said in question time on Thursday afternoon that he had complied with his obligation as a minister to “uphold the highest workplace standards”.
He praised Tarnawsky as a “wonderful person” with a strong commitment to social justice. “She has given me great service, and I remain deeply grateful for that,” Marles said in response to a question from shadow minister for women Sussan Ley.
He said he had attempted to safeguard Tarnawsky’s welfare and that of his other staff in the “sad” situation, and would not go into specifics or address her allegations directly as were lawyers involved. The prime minister’s office had been involved for months, Marles confirmed.
Tarnawsky said she had since suffered nightmares, flashbacks, symptoms of depression and anxiety and suicidal thoughts. Bradley conceded she was unlikely to return to her old role because “trust and confidence” with Marles had broken down, but said she was still entitled to fair treatment and due process.
“I am talking about some of the most powerful people in the country who are able to close ranks, casually dismiss my story, smear and background against me and put their own political survival ahead of any concern for truth or my wellbeing,” she said.
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A spokesperson for the deputy prime minister said that “a number of the assertions and recollections are contested”.
“Ms Tarnawsky remains a member of staff,” the spokesperson said in a statement. “Ms Tarnawsky has been treated with respect and courtesy. At all times, the wellbeing of staff, including Ms Tarnawsky, has been front of mind. Out of respect for Ms Tarnawsky, and the prospect of legal proceedings, it is not appropriate to make further comment.”
A spokeswoman for Jane Hume, the opposition frontbencher who is leading the Liberals’ work implementing the Jenkins review into parliament’s workplace culture, said everyone deserved a respectful workplace.
“The reporting today is concerning but the parliament has appropriate mechanisms to deal with these issues,” the spokeswoman said. “We trust that those involved have sought any support they need from the Parliamentary Workplace Support Service.”
Minister for Women Katy Gallagher said she could not comment on individual reports of misconduct, but said people could contact parliament’s support service.
“I have confidence in the system that has been established by the parliament after careful consultation and work by the parliamentary leadership taskforce,” she said in a statement.
Support is available through Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636, Lifeline on 13 11 14, Sane on 1800 187 263, and Dolly’s Dream on 0488 881 033.
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