Marles Defends Handling of Bullying Complaints From Chief of Staff

Jo Tarnawsky held a press conference to reveal the allegations of bullying but did not provide further detail about the nature of the incident.

Australia's Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles looks on during a welcome to the country ahead of the Australia and South Korea Foreign and Defence Ministers meeting in Melbourne, Australia, on May 1, 2024. Asanka Brendon Ratnayake-Pool/Getty Images

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles has faced sharp questioning in Parliament after his chief of staff, Jo Tarnawsky, made allegations of workplace bullying.

The opposition, led by Deputy Leader Susan Ley, raised the issue, challenging Marles to comply with the ministerial code of conduct in handling the situation.