NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has revealed she launched a ‘secret’ review into state parliament’s sexual assault complaints process. 

The premier says she ordered the review weeks ago, but deliberately chose not to announce publicly. 

“I chose to take this action to make sure we stress test every single process we have in place,” she told Parliament.

“I want to make sure that every single staff member who works in this place or works in a ministerial office or works in an electorate office knows that they will be protected if they come forward with any level of allegation or any action that they feel has occurred to them.

“I want that made abundantly clear.

“And the reason why I didn't publicly announce the action I took was that I want this to be robust, I want the report to come directly to me and if there's any loopholes we have, we will address them.”

Former sex discrimination commissioner and former government minister Pru Goward is overseeing the review.

She is investigating NSW Parliament’s complaints process, including who should receive the complaints, and reviewing the standard for triggering an internal investigation.

She is expected to hand down a report within a month. 

Greens MP Jenny Leong has criticised the “secret”, saying it is “unacceptable” for a former minister to oversee it. 

“Any review of the NSW Parliament processes when it comes to bullying, sexual harassment and sexual assault must be independent, open and transparent,” Ms Leong said.

“This is a serious issue. I personally do not wish to carry the burden of women … coming to my office … and disclosing issues of trauma and assault and bullying and harassment that have taken place in this chamber, simply because they know that I'm willing to call that stuff out.”

She said Parliament should be working for “people who have survived sexual assault and sexual harassment in this building to have a voice”.

“This isn't a problem just in Canberra, this is a problem in this building right here and now and the members in this chamber and all the staff in this building know it,” she said.