Ex-chief of staff alleged she was 'bullied out' of job for speaking up
The legal dispute involving the Commonwealth government and the former chief of staff of Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles has ended following a confidential settlement between the two parties, according to reports.
Jo Tarnawsky, Marles' former chief of staff, announced the end of the workplace lawsuit on Friday, ABC News reported.
"[A confidential agreement] brings to an end my workplace dispute with the Commonwealth, deputy prime minister, and the prime minister's chief of staff," she said as quoted by ABC News.
Tarnawsky, a long-term public servant, came forward in October 2024 alleging that she was "bullied out of her job" after raising a bullying complaint.
She filed a case a month later against the federal government for "adverse actions" she received after allegedly complaining to Marles about the alleged bullying behaviour by colleagues.
Tarnawsky described the litigation as "traumatic," while lamenting her experience after raising a concern at work.
"Employees should feel safe to raise workplace concerns with their employers without fear of reprisal. Regrettably, that was not my experience," she said. "It is a relief to finally close this chapter and move on with my life."
According to Tarnawsky, she will also leave the public service after more than 20 years of service.
"I will also close out more than twenty years of service to the Australian government," she said. "Speaking up comes with many costs, but so does choosing to remain silent."
Tarnawsky's legal case against the government did not indicate that Marles or the prime minister's chief of staff bullied her or any other member of the staff.
A spokesperson from the government, who spoke to ABC News, added that no adverse findings were made against anyone at the end of the lawsuit.
"The proceeding will be discontinued. No further comment will be made about this matter," the spokesperson told the news outlet.
Marles previously said he tried to manage Tarnawsky's case with her welfare in mind.
"At all times, the wellbeing of staff, including Ms Tarnawsky, has been front of mind," the deputy said last year. "The Albanese government is committed to improving workplace behaviour and culture at Parliament House."
