Survey reveals unhappy WA sector
Reports say one in four workers at WA’s Department of Aboriginal Affairs (DAA) have witnessed bullying and other unprofessional conduct in the workplace.
The ABC is reporting on a leaked Public Sector Commission survey that allegedly showed less than half of senior leaders were seen as being effective in their role.
About half the respondents reported being set to depart the DAA within the next two years.
The survey was allegedly filled out by almost 80 per cent of the department.
Critics say the reports show a disturbing lack of confidence, a culture of mismanagement and other systemic issues within the DAA.
But the department the results of the anonymous survey actually showed evidence of the significant reform undertaken by the DAA in the last 18 months.
The changes were forced by two Supreme Court challenges, senior leadership changes and a large overall reduction in staff numbers.
A DAA spokesperson has told reporters there were no formal reports of sexual harassment, bullying, stealing or ethical issues in the past 12 months, and an improved understanding of how grievances should be reported.
The spokesperson said external consultant had met with randomly selected staff in the last two week, but could not find any incidents of bullying.
Indigenous Affairs Minister Peter Collier told reporters through a spokesperson that the report was a human resources matter for the DAA.
The Opposition says the survey shows that the Aboriginal affairs regime in Western Australia is outdated and dysfunctional.