Can language rules improve everyday respect in the parliamentary chambers?

In November 2021, the Australian Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Kate Jenkins, tabled a report outlining 28 recommendations to 'ensure that Commonwealth parliamentary workplaces are safe and respectful and that the nation's Parliament reflects best practice in the prevention and handling of bullying, sexual harassment and sexual assault'. The Set the Standard report reflects the evidence gathered from over 1700 individuals and 33 organisations and collectives, through surveys, interviews, written submissions and focus group discussions. Among its key findings, the report points to the role of 'power imbalances, gender inequality and exclusion' in normalising and perpetuating misconduct. Contributors to the report pointed to what they called a 'toxic workplace culture'. To rectify this, the Commission made a series of recommendations relating specifically to diversity, equality and inclusion. The Commission recommended that: efforts be made to diversify the cadre of politicians, as well as political and parliamentary staff in Australia.