An education department audit has found one state’s authorities are fairly unaware of the extent of behavioural problems.

West Australian auditor-general Colin Murphy has reportedly found that the department does not realise how widespread WA’s behavioural issues are, and which strategies are being used to combat it.

The report is accessible here.

The auditor’s report, which has now been tabled in Parliament, said resources are not being used as effectively as they could be, in regard to school and student needs.

The investigation found some teachers are having to spend 20 per cent of their time solely on managing bad behaviour.

Mr Murphy found that overall the department's approach was fairly sound, but key factors for collecting and report on behavioural issues were significantly lacking.

The report has recommended better information systems be set up across the department, in order to effectively record student behaviour, and review the student behaviour management accordingly.

The hole in data collection has been blamed on government education cuts, according to Opposition education spokesperson, Sue Ellery.

She said teachers have been swamped with extra work on troubled students, after the Government cut $16.1 million from behavioural management programs, education assistants and hands-on supervisors.

Ms Ellery said figures showing around 25,000 suspensions were given to just 11,000 students, indicating that many were repeat offenders.