New Zealand to assess progress vs workplace bullying in parliament

The New Zealand government said on Friday it would commission an independent review to assess parliament's workplace culture after a study three years ago found widespread bullying and harassment.

New Zealand to assess progress vs workplace bullying in parliament -0
A view shows the Executive Wing of the New Zealand Parliament complex, popularly known as "Beehive" because of the building’s shape, in Wellington, New Zealand July 23, 2020. REUTERS/Praveen Menon

According to Reuters, a 2019 report uncovered systemic harmful behaviour in New Zealand's parliament, including by and between staff, managers, members of parliament, the media and the public.

Speaker of the House of Representatives Adrian Rurawhe said in a statement he believed the parliamentary workplace had improved over the past three years, and had commissioned the author of the 2019 study to review its progress.

"It is important that we take stock, as an institution, of the effectiveness of that work," said Rurawhe.

In August, a member of parliament from the ruling Labour Party accused other lawmakers from the party of bullying. Labour has denied the accusations and the member of parliament has been suspended.

Rurawhe said the review would catalogue gains made to date as well as areas where there was still room for improvement.

Parliaments

Indonesia works to prevent youths from smoking
Parliaments

Indonesia works to prevent youths from smoking

The Indonesian Ministry of Health revealed on December 17 that other countries' efforts to increase cigarette excise can reduce consumption by 10-15%, with increasing the Retail Selling Price (HJE) of cigarettes and e-cigarettes deterring young smokers from purchasing them.

Philippines intensifies crackdown on illegal gamers
Parliaments

Philippines intensifies crackdown on illegal gamers

Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos on December 12 ordered the police and law enforcement agencies to intensify the crackdown on illegal gaming and cyber cam hubs that continue to operate despite the ban, which will take effect by the end of December, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said.

Nigeria Proposes New Law To Combat Ponzi Schemes With Severe Penalties
Parliaments

Nigeria Proposes New Law To Combat Ponzi Schemes With Severe Penalties

According to Odaily, the Nigerian Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has introduced a draft of the '2024 Investment and Securities Bill' aimed at imposing stringent penalties on individuals convicted of Ponzi scheme crimes. The proposed legislation suggests a maximum fine of $12,000 (20 million Naira) or a 10-year prison sentence for offenders.

Singapore proposes new law to curb bank scams
Parliaments

Singapore proposes new law to curb bank scams

Singapore’s Protection from Scams Bill, presented to Parliament on November 11, proposes an unprecedented measure allowing police to issue Restriction Orders (RO) on suspected scam accounts. If it is passed, Singapore will be the first country to grant police authority to intervene in bank transactions to prevent fraud.