The Deputy PM’s chief of staff is suing him over alleged payback for a bullying complaint.

Workplace drama has reached the office of Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, with his chief of staff, Jo Tarnawsky, suing him, the Prime Minister's chief of staff Tim Gartrell, and the Commonwealth over allegations of adverse action under the Fair Work Act. 

Tarnawsky claims she was sidelined after raising bullying concerns about colleagues in Marles’ office.

The legal action, lodged in the Federal Court this week, alleges Tarnawsky was pushed aside despite no previous performance issues. 

The former diplomat and one of the government’s most senior female staffers said she was directed to take leave and look for a new job after raising her concerns in April. 

Her participation in key official events, including a trip to Hawaii, was reportedly withdrawn.

Tarnawsky, technically still employed but on indefinite leave, said the government failed to resolve her workplace issues, forcing her to turn to the courts. 

“After untenable delays and inaction from the government, I’m lodging legal proceedings,” she said at a press conference in Parliament House.

She criticised the government’s response, alleging “collusion and delay” in addressing her concerns. 

“Good exits are possible. It should not be unreasonable for any of us to expect to depart our roles with dignity,” she said.

A spokesperson for Marles challenged parts of her account, citing discrepancies in “assertions and recollections”. 

The case also implicates the Parliamentary Workplace Support Service (PWSS), which was designed to address workplace complaints but has faced criticism. 

Michael Bradley, Tarnawsky’s lawyer, argued the service was “set up to fail”, providing support to Parliament members while leaving staffers inadequately backed.

Tarnawsky’s allegations bring renewed scrutiny to Parliament’s workplace culture. 

Brittany Higgins, a former staffer, recently questioned whether political workplace offenders face accountability, citing reports that the PWSS has handled over 300 cases in nine months, including serious allegations like sexual assault.

Tarnawsky seeks compensation for medical expenses, reputational damage, and the “hurt, distress, and humiliation” caused. 

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