Two years after an alleged rape at Parliament House, no changes to policy have been made to help staff respond to serious incidents.
But Prime Minister Scott Morrison told parliament during Question Time that a report will be with him "very very shortly" and an independent complaints process - which he would discuss with Labor to gain bipartisan support - will be in place this year.
Secretary of the Department of Parliamentary Services Rob Stefanic told a Senate estimates hearing earlier on Monday there had been discussions but "no formal changes in policy".
The department is responsible for building access and cleaning, including in the ministerial office where the alleged rape of Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins occurred in March 2019.
Asked if he was satisfied the department did all it could to provide a safe place for Ms Higgins, Mr Stefanic said there was always an opportunity to learn and make improvements.
The parliament has come under scrutiny as a toxic workplace for years.
The Morrison government has taken steps to beef up funding for safety for women and girls across Australia - at home and at work - and set up a taskforce for change.
It also opened up new counselling services for parliamentary staff.
But Australian of the Year Grace Tame questions whether Mr Morrison's new assistant minister for women Amanda Stoker can make a difference in broader change.
Ms Tame was speaking to The Betoota Advocate podcast about paedophilia, grooming and psychological abuse which she described as "vile, that messes with your whole life".
Sexual assault survivor and Australian of the Year Grace Tame during her Press Club address. Source: AAP
"And if you don't absolutely oppose it, you therefore condone it," she said.
"And so I just, I don't think that she's the adequate person for the job."
In a statement, Ms Stoker said she was open to meeting with Ms Tame to discuss her concerns.
"My invitation to meet with Ms Tame remains open. I would welcome the opportunity to hear her concerns and work towards common goals.
"I believe a direct discussion between the two of us will be far more effective than one had through the press gallery."
Mr Morrison was also questioned in parliament about why he said to Ms Tame, "Gee, I bet it felt good to get that out", after her award acceptance speech.
"That is exactly what I meant," he said.
"It was a very proud moment for her and her great struggle and challenge over a long period of time and what she did on that occasion was speak with a very strong voice about what had occurred to her."
Senator Reynolds' treatment of Ms Higgins remains under scrutiny, along with what senior ministers knew at the time.
Officials were unable to answer questions on Monday about who made the decision to "deep clean" Senator Reynolds' office on the weekend of the alleged sexual attack, citing ongoing investigations.
A broader inquiry is looking at the work culture at parliament and in electorate offices around the country.
Senate President Scott Ryan told the hearing no one should be fearful of participating in the inquiry.
"The rules on parliamentary privilege are absolute and that goes to participation in an inquiry in the building," he said.
"That is something that I strictly adhere to and the Speaker and I always reinforce."
Department of Parliamentary Services Secretary Rob Stefaniak said nobody's employment would be at risk from cooperating with police.
The Australian Federal Police face no block to accessing parliamentary footage as they investigate the alleged rape.
Clerk of the Senate Richard Pye said there was nothing to suggest the footage was a matter of privilege, but made sure the occupant of the suite - Senator Reynolds - was aware of the request.
He said Senator Reynolds had wanted to see incident reports during the week following the incident.
The AFP investigation continues, as does an "arm's length" inquiry by Mr Morrison's head of department.
