One in 10 workers at the Department of Parliamentary Services (DPS) have reported bullying or harassment. 

New survey findings have revealed a high rate of workplace issues at the department, but its leaders point out it is still an improvement on previous reports. 

In the latest survey, taken last November, 11 per cent of department staff reported bullying and harassment, down from 16 per cent in 2020.

DPS launched a dedicated cultural reform program in 2018, and made bullying and harassment training mandatory for all staff in early 2021.

The Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) acknowledged that bullying and harassment had decreased slightly, but said all workers deserve a safe and respectful workplace.

The union said it would work to ensure workers are safe at work, “once the government responds”. 

CPSU deputy secretary Beth Vincent-Pietsch says other departments have released detailed breakdowns of staff survey results by section and branch.

“CPSU members would expect the DPS to do the same so there is transparency on areas of concerns,” she said. 

Workers at the Parliamentary Services department told the Jenkins review that they feared retribution for speaking out, including being sidelined or denied opportunities, being ostracised socially, and being pushed to resign.