Deputy prime minister sued by own chief of staff

Richard Marles’ chief of staff, Jo Tarnawsky, is taking legal action against the deputy prime minister over allegations of workplace bullying.

Tarnawsky announced this morning that she is suing the Commonwealth, Marles, and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s chief of staff, Tim Gartrell.

The development comes roughly six weeks after she went public with allegations she was frozen out of her role after raising allegations of bullying against her with Marles.

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Marles is not accused of bullying Tarnawsky, but of ousting her from her role without having raised issues with her performance.

Tarnwasky, who still officially holds the role of chief of staff in Marles’ office, said she was bringing legal action now because of delays in responding to her case.

“It has now been more than 200 days since I raised concerns privately with the deputy prime minister about bullying behaviour in his office,” she said.

“I was then exiled as a result. My workplace situation remains unresolved

“Today, after untenable delays and inaction from the government, I’m lodging legal proceedings in the Federal Court of Australia.

“Six weeks ago, I spoke out publicly to review what was happening to me behind closed doors. As far as I know, there has been no investigation into the behaviours I reported, nor regarding the actions taken by the deputy prime minister against me.

“Not a single member of the government has reached out to check on my wellbeing.

“Three weeks ago, I wrote a letter to the prime minister, asking him to intervene and to hold the deputy prime minister to account for the way that I had been treated. The prime minister has not responded.”

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Tarnwasky’s lawyer, Michael Bradley, said she would be seeking financial penalties and compensation, but did not detail a specific figure.

He did not detail the specific allegations of bullying, saying they would be aired in court.

A government spokesperson told 9news.com.au that “this matter is subject to legal proceedings, and it would not be appropriate to comment further”.

After Tarnawsky went public with her allegations in October, Marles said she was a “wonderful person”

“A number of the assertions and recollections are contested. Ms Tarnawsky has been treated with respect and courtesy,” a spokesperson told 9news.com.au at the time.

“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.

“The Albanese government is committed to improving workplace behaviour and culture at Parliament House.”