Federal Liberal MP Craig Laundy has called on his party to introduce anti-bullying measures after complaints of intimidation from some colleagues during last week's bitter leadership spill.
Victorian MP Julia Banks on Wednesday announced she was quitting politics because of "vindictive, mean-spirited" behaviour from both within her party and Labor.
Liberal Party Women's Council chair Helen Kroger has denied her party fostered a culture of bullying and intimidation, and described politics as a "rough and tough" game.
But Mr Laundy, a former workplace minister in Malcolm Turnbull's government, said an internal panel was needed to deal with bullying complaints from MPs.
"Any employee in this country is entitled to not only a safe work environment but, if bullied or intimidated, avenues for resolution of conflict," the Liberal backbencher told The Australian.
"Last week, I was the federal minister responsible for making sure these avenues were available in workplaces around the country. This week I'm not, but I'm convinced political parties are not only not above the law, they should lead by example."
Defence Minister Christopher Pyne said complaints of bullying should be dealt with by the normal process, through the Chief Whip Nola Merino.
He said he is not aware Ms Merino has received a formal complaint from Ms Banks.
"If there is any kind of formal complaint then obviously it should be dealt with in the way that these complaints are normally dealt with," he told Nine on Friday.
Trade Minister Simon Birmingham said he trusts Ms Bank's claims will be thoroughly investigated through the Liberal Party's system.
However, he expects parliamentary officials will recommend changes to how bullying complaints are handled if needed.
"I expect that the whips and presiding officers would look at issues like this and consider whether anything can or ought to be done to improve the way that people can come forward and have them addressed if they need to," he told ABC Radio on Friday.
Australian Associated Press
