A union survey has found the National Indigenous Australians Agency is overworked and understaffed.

Public servants said in a Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) survey that they feel forced to play a reactive role to issues in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities because their low staff numbers and growing workload make it impossible to get ahead.

There is also frustration about staff being unable to visit the communities they are assisting due to COVID-19 travel and health restrictions,.

“The community and our members want to make sure the agency is in a position to work with First Nation Australians [and] to do that the NIAA needs more staff and resourcing,” the union says. 

“By failing to do this the Morrison government is hurting its staff, communities, and the important work that staff in the agency undertake. This government must invest in the NIAA to ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders get the most out the agency aimed at serving them.”

Staff also reported serious communication issues within the agency.

A spokesperson for the NIAA has conceded that the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way it works.

“The NIAA is supporting staff by encouraging flexibility and providing support for staff to adapt to new ways of working, including virtual community engagement where necessary,” the department said.