Bullying at WA Department of Aboriginal Affairs revealed in public sector survey

More than quarter of staff at Western Australia's Department of Aboriginal Affairs (DAA) have witnessed bullying and other unprofessional conduct in the workplace, a leaked document has revealed.

The finding comes from a Public Sector Commission survey which showed less than half of staff saw their senior leaders as being effective in their role.

A significant number of employees could also be set to depart the DAA, with almost half of those responding saying they were likely to leave the department within the next two years.

The survey was carried out between May and June this year, with a response rate of almost 80 per cent.

Greens MP Robin Chapple said the findings were a damning reflection on the DAA.

"Given these appalling statistics, I am seriously concerned about the lack of confidence and culture of mismanagement within the department," Mr Chapple said.

"Quite clearly there are systemic issues within the Department of Aboriginal Affairs that have not been addressed, despite assurances from the Minister."

Unprofessional conduct claims 'concerning'

A DAA spokesman said the results of the anonymous survey could be attributed to significant reform undertaken by the DAA in the last 18 months.

The changes followed two Supreme Court challenges, adjustments to senior leadership and a significant reduction in staff.

The spokesman said there had been no formal reports of sexual harassment, bullying, stealing or ethical issues in the past 12 months, despite the survey showing a higher than average understanding of how grievances should be reported.

"The most concerning part of the survey were allegations of staff having witnessed unprofessional conduct," he said.

Opposition Indigenous affairs spokesman Ben Wyatt said feedback he had received from DAA staff showed there was a problem internally with the culture.

"Fundamentally, the statutory basis of the Aboriginal affairs regime in Western Australia is outdated and can't provide what government wants, nor what Aboriginal people want," he said.

The DAA spokesman said the department had already taken significant steps to address the issues raised in the survey, including making changes to senior leadership.