It is also a sad commentary on the inability of the ACT Government to provide a safe and welcoming work environment for thousands of staff.

The fact more than 1900 responses, including 400 detailed submissions, were received is indicative of just how widespread the concerns that initially prompted calls for a Royal Commission-like board of inquiry from the ACT branch of the Australian Medical Association actually were.

The seriousness of the issues raised by this inquiry, which fell well short of that, indicates the Health Minister, Meegan Fitzharris, was either ignorant of what was happening on her patch or failed to act appropriately.

How is it possible that in Australia, in the 21st century, a publicly funded and allegedly professionally managed institution can be so dysfunctional that more than one in 10 staff say they have been subjected to physical harm, sexual harassment or workplace abuse over the past 12 months?

Canberra's problems are significantly worse than in other jurisdictions.

More than 60 per cent of ACT health workers say they have witnessed bullying at work compared to less than 40 per cent in NSW.

Less than a quarter of ACT health workers have confidence in the way their employer resolves grievances and about 35 per cent say they have been bullied at work.

While it is obvious those charged with the day-to-day responsibility for running Canberra's health services must take responsibility for what are appalling results, it is equally apparent these outcomes represent a major failure of oversight over an extended period of time.

ACT opposition health spokesperson Vicki Dunne was right when she said this was the ACT Labor government's legacy.

It has been in office, in one form or another, since the turn of the century. There is nobody else for it to blame.

The Barr government's opposition to the establishment of a board of inquiry into the workplace culture in the health sector was always strangely reminiscent of the Federal Coalition's protracted rearguard action against the establishment of the banking Royal Commission.

And, just as those who called for the banking inquiry were vindicated by the many evils it brought to light, those who are still advocating for a health services judicial inquiry have been vindicated by the interim report of the independent review chaired by former Queensland Health director-general, Mick Reid.

Mr Reid has already made 20 recommendations and called for the unions, employees and the AMA to be involved in their implementation.

Given the inquiry is ongoing with Mr Reid's final report not due to be handed down until later this year it would be pre-emptive to address the question of accountability at this time.

That said, once the final report is in those deemed to be responsible must be held to account.

Under the Westminster system ultimate accountability for serious failings within a department rests with the minister, in this case Meegan Fitzharris.

Based on yesterday's blistering interim report, it would be truly remarkable if she is able to continue as health minister once Mr Reid's inquiry is over.