Peter Dunne says New Zealand's current political system overlooks how hard it is for new MPs to be introduced to Parliament's unique working environment.
Bullying has been in the spotlight in Parliament over the past week after revelations National MP Sam Uffindell violently attacked a younger student when he was at school.
The allegations against Uffindell prompted Labour MP Gaurav Sharma to launch a staggering tirade against his own Party, claiming there was rampant bullying and gaslighting within Parliament.
Sharma made a myriad of accusations first in an opinion piece for the NZ Herald and then in an explosive follow-up social media post.
Labour has disputed the claims, instead revealing Sharma was actually facing complaints from his own staff.
Speaking with AM on Monday former United Future leader Peter Dunne said the issues highlight a lack of support for new MPs who are learning the ropes of the unique working environment.
"You've got a culture which is very much whether it be the Labour team or the National team, a bit like the All Blacks and the Springboks. You're playing for the team. The individual doesn't matter," Dunne told AM.
"Within that you've got people who've never been in a situation before where they've had to run an office or worked with staff because that's not been their previous career.
"I think where the gap is is actually skilling people how to operate effectively as politicians. And so what you get is the bosses telling you what to do. And if you're aggrieved, you feel put out or bullied. I think it's a much bigger picture than just the individuals as the whole system."
When asked whether he thought MPs were just being too soft with accusations of bullying, Dune said no.
"Some employees are put in an environment which is completely foreign to them. You know, people who've come from outside an office structure, for instance, just don't know how to interact with staff and others.
"But I'm also saying that it's a culture which is very much you're not there to represent your constituents, you're there to represent the team. And the team is all important. So don't do anything to rock the boat. It's that sort of oppressive culture. I think that's got to change," he said.
It comes after Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern hit back at Sharma's allegations on Monday. Ardern said his complaints were sparked after Parliamentary Services and the whips were forced to intervene in his office following multiple complaints from staff.
"Ultimately what gave rise to Guarav raising issues is that we identified, because staff raised it, issues with his management within his office and interventions were made by the whips and Parliamentary Services - which he disagreed with.
"That is actually the very reason this occurred in the first place because we do work very hard to ensure we have a good working environment with those who are here in Parliament."
According to the NZ Herald, three staff members have complained about the MP. But he's got support from his Hamilton West electorate committee which has written a letter to Labour's caucus describing Sharma as "incredibly conscientious".
