$ 4m cost of public service bullying

PUBLIC servants have been paid out nearly $ 4 million in three years after being subjected to continued bullying or harassment at work.

More than 800 bureaucrats have complained they’ve been subjected to abuse, insults, offensive comments, unjustified criticism, deliberate exclusion, the spreading of malicious rumours, or offensive or intimidating emails or messages.

Most were from just five departments, but just a fraction – less than one in five complaints – were substantiated.

The largest numbers were from the Department of Education and Training and the Department of Health, which are two of the state’s largest departments, followed by police and the Department of Justice and Attorney- General.

One hundred and thirty- six of the 810 complaints were accepted, and $ 3.9 million was paid out – making the average payout about $ 30,000.

Education Minister Kate Jones said her department had a zero tolerance approach to bullying and harassment in the workplace.

“We’re working really hard to drive a safe and inclusive work culture,” she said. “Bullying is never acceptable but the data shows a slight decrease in claims even though we have employed 3400 additional teachers in our workforce.”

A department spokeswoman said the average of less than 20 substantiated claims per year from a workforce of more than 70,000 was a low result.

Health Minister Cameron Dick said there were no excuses for Queensland Health staff to face bullying or harassment on the job, especially when many are already managing challenging circumstances caring for sick patients.

“It’s important to note that there has been a slight decrease in claims despite the fact we have employed around 1400 additional doctors, more than 4400 extra nurses and around 1200 additional allied health professionals,” he said.