Betrayed by the System: The Heartbreaking Story of Jo Tarnawsky
ABC NEWS
The conduct of the Deputy Prime Minister’s office has left many feeling deeply disappointed. Jo Tarnawsky, a respected career public servant and chief of staff to Richard Marles, has come forward with troubling claims that she was pushed out of her job after raising concerns of bullying among her colleagues. Despite remaining officially employed, Tarnawsky says she has been denied access to her office since June and has had no communication with the Deputy Prime Minister for months.
While she does not accuse Mr. Marles of directly bullying her, Tarnawsky feels she has been systematically “bullied out of her job.” In a rare public statement, she expressed her frustration at being frozen out, saying, “No fair process has been followed. I continue to be employed officially as the deputy prime minister’s chief of staff, but I have been prevented from doing my job.” Tarnawsky made these comments at a media conference, where she declined to take any questions.
Accompanied by her lawyer, Michael Bradley, Tarnawsky explained that she had privately raised concerns about bullying in the office while returning from a trip to Ukraine with Marles. She claims that, instead of addressing the issues, the Deputy Prime Minister suggested she start looking for other employment and forced her to take several weeks of leave. Upon trying to return to work in June, she was informed she could not return to her role or office, further deepening her sense of betrayal.
Tarnawsky has been outspoken about the emotional toll of the past months, detailing how she has suffered from depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and suicidal thoughts. “I had none of these symptoms before May 2024,” she shared. “The way I have been treated has been cowardly, cruel, and completely unnecessary.”
Despite these harrowing revelations, neither Tarnawsky nor her lawyer provided details about the original bullying allegations, leaving the public in the dark about the specific concerns she raised. The Deputy Prime Minister’s office, while contesting parts of Tarnawsky’s account, insists that she has been treated with “respect and courtesy” and that the Albanese government is committed to improving workplace culture.
However, the failure of the Minister to engage directly with his chief of staff during these tumultuous months raises serious questions about the Department’s commitment to fairness, transparency, and the well-being of its employees. While Marles expressed his sadness over the situation, his statements lack any real sense of accountability or willingness to address the deeper cultural issues at play.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has called Tarnawsky “incredibly brave” for coming forward, adding to the growing sentiment that her claims warrant serious scrutiny. Tarnawsky’s heartbreaking account has left many asking if this is yet another example of power being wielded unjustly in Parliament, leaving those most vulnerable without recourse or protection. The lack of clear action and transparency is deeply disappointing, casting a shadow over those who are supposed to lead by example.
