The federal attorney-general has sought an urgent meeting with the president of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) after multiple allegations of bullying, harassment, or discrimination.
Seventeen current members of the AAT have had one or more complaint made against them since 2016, including senior members and a deputy president.
The tribunal's registrar and senior officials were unaware that members were still serving on the AAT until Monday, when they gave evidence to a senate estimates hearing.
The member with five complaints is still serving an initial period of appointment.
Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus said he was disturbed by the allegations and that they had been directed at so many members that are still serving.
"I was very concerned by the evidence I heard, and I have sought an urgent meeting with the president of the AAT to find out what is being done about this," Mr Dreyfus told the ABC.
"We are still seeking the detail but let's be clear about this, our government is committed to making all workplaces free from bullying and harassment – we are serious about this."
Mr Dreyfus said the allegations needed to be treated seriously despite some relating to events that may have occurred years ago.
"I don't know what the former government knew and I don't know what information was provided, but what I can say is that now this has come to light we need to do something about it," Mr Dreyfus said.
"We need to make sure that there are appropriate procedures in place and appropriate protections in place for anyone that is making a complaint of this nature."
AAT registrar Michael Hawkins told senators there was an established process for dealing with complaints but enforcement options were limited.
"The options available to the president in any circumstance is to seek either an apology or an acknowledgement from the member involved, there may be counselling or the president may consider changing the members work area or practice," he said.
"Unfortunately, our code of conduct is not supported by legislation and consequently there is very little the president can formally do."
The number of complaints was revealed after questioning from Labor senator Nita Green, who acknowledged that not all allegations have been proven.
But she said the multiple complaints raised serious concerns about culture and accountability.
"I would suggest it is a pretty serious step for an employee to make a complaint against the AAT tribunal member, as they are people with incredible power and standing," Senator Green said.
"I would put a lot of weight to the employees making these complaints without going through an investigation process."
Federal Labor has long accused the Coalition of stacking the AAT with politically motivated appointees during its nine years in government.
They allege plum jobs worth up to $500,000 a year were extended to Liberal Party-linked individuals by the Morrison government in the dying days of the 46th parliament.
"We've been very critical of the complete lack of merit-based appointment processes to the tribunal and we are looking hard at what we can do to reform the AAT," Mr Dreyfus told the ABC.
