Burnout, bullying and low morale: Australia’s public servants paint bleak picture of their jobs

Feedback during Canberra staff engagement session also covers senators’ rude behaviour, uncompetitive pay and brain drain

• Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates
• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

Public servants have complained about rude and unprofessional senators, bullying, burnout, low morale, uncompetitive pay and a lack of specialist skills that have led to expensive program failures and outsourcing.

The blunt feedback was delivered to department bosses during a staff engagement session in Canberra, which allowed managers to confront concerns as they seek to rebuild the capacity of the federal bureaucracy.

Sign up for Guardian Australia’s free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup