Jo Tarnawsky Resolves Legal Dispute with Government Through Confidential Settlement

The former chief of staff to Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles departs public service after alleging workplace bullying and exclusion.

Jo Tarnawsky, a senior public servant, settled her workplace bullying case against the Commonwealth, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, and Tim Gartrell through a confidential agreement.
Tarnawsky alleged she was belittled, excluded from key information, and pushed out of her role after raising complaints about her treatment by colleagues.
Neither Marles nor Gartrell were accused of direct involvement in the alleged bullying, and no adverse findings were made against any individuals.
Tarnawsky highlighted the personal and professional toll of pursuing legal action and criticized the effectiveness of parliamentary workplace reforms following the Jenkins Review.
The settlement concludes Tarnawsky's two-decade public service career, during which she expressed pride in her contributions despite the challenges she faced.