WORKERS at Perth Zoo, Rottnest Island and Kings Park are to be drug and alcohol tested from next year, prompting union concerns about the need for such an “intrusion into people’s privacy”.

The State Government says the move is designed to “ensure the ongoing health and safety of employees, volunteers and contractors”, especially in dealing with dangerous animals, heavy machinery and community and visitor safety.

But the public sector union has questioned the rationale for the testing, which will begin at the zoo early next year, with Rottnest Island Authority and Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority staff to follow.

“If an agency wants to introduce random alcohol and drug testing, our question would be why,” CPSU/CSA acting branch secretary Rikki Hendon said.

“There needs to be a very compelling rationale such as a workplace safety concern for this sort of intrusion into people’s privacy.

“Unless there are significant safety issues around the work they do, general public sector workers do not require alcohol and drug testing.”

A damning staff survey has identified incidents of illicit drug and alcohol use at the zoo.

The survey by the Public Sector Commission in February involved staff within the entities that make up the new Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions — the RIA, zoo and the BGPA.

It found nearly one in five zoo workers had witnessed “illicit drug use and/or alcohol intoxication” while at work.

The rate was only one in 20 in Rottnest workers.

One in six zoo staff said they had witnessed discrimination, harassment, sexual assault or other discriminatory or indecent behaviour at work.

The survey results also found that nearly one-third of the zoo workforce had seen careless or negligent behaviour in the performance of work duties by other staff.

A similar proportion had seen a “failure to act with integrity”, which could have included intentionally failing to perform at work or acting in a dishonest way.

Environment Minister Stephen Dawson said any misconduct by public sector staff was a great cause for concern.

But he said that, based on his interactions with zoo staff, they seemed caring and dedicated.

Mr Dawson said some of the survey questions could be open to interpretation.

“In particular, questions posed to staff about whether or not they had witnessed illicit drug use, intoxication, discrimination, harassment, sexual assault or other discriminatory behaviour at work do not qualify whether or not that behaviour was exhibited by another staff member or members of the public,” he said.

“I know that I have been at the zoo and seen visitors drinking alcohol and some who might have had one too many.

“I will be writing to the Public Sector Commissioner to ask her to clarify the questions in future surveys.

“The zoo’s code of conduct sets very clear expectations ... regarding a range of behaviours expected from staff.

“In line with existing practices at the department, the zoo is introducing random testing for a range of illicit drugs and alcohol to be absolutely certain that everyone is fit for work.”

As reported yesterday, the staff survey also indicated that the RIA was beset by cultural issues and a lack of leadership, with more than half of its workforce wanting to quit.

Some say they have witnessed corruption and discrimination while at work. And nearly one in five say they have been subjected to repeated bullying.